Now it’s time for Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to shine. Following the dismissal of Dorothy Kisaka as Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) along with her deputy, Engineer Luyimbazi and the authority’s Public Health Director Dr Daniel Okello over their negligence in the August 10 Kiteezi Landfill disaster which killed dozens, Lukwago was a busy body.
He granted media interviews with the rhetoric message: “I told you so,” For Lukwago, the filth seeping in the KCCA corridors in as far as handling the Kiteeezi issue were concerned, would see heads roll.
In his narrative, Lukwago is clean, although Ofwono Opondo, the Ugandan government spokesperson earlier this month, suggested that both Lukwago and Kisaka should be held accountable and sacked over the tragedy. That is a story for another day. The immediate issue is, did Kisaka orchestrate her own downfall for repeated failure to address the long-standing issues at the Kiteezi landfill?
Kisaka’s negligence
In the aftermath of the fatal landfill collapse, reports marred social media showing how KCCA’s executive team headed by Kisaka were briefed and warned about the impending danger at Kiteezi Landfill a month before the tragedy struck.
Kisaka, specifically, was according to the report, advised on what remedies to put in place to prevent the disaster at Kiteezi landfill, which had served as Kampala’s primary waste disposal site since 1996.
A memo dated July 2, 2024, written by Dr Daniel Okello (also sacked), the Director of Public Health and Environment informed Kisaka that the Kiteezi garbage dumping site had operated beyond capacity and posed an imminent threat to the community.
“Kiteezi Landfill is currently facing severe operational challenges due to its continued use beyond capacity, which has led to the formation of waste cliffs and unstable slopes. This poses risks to both waste management efficiency and community safety,” the memo reads in part.
Dr Okello further informed his supervisor (Kisaka) that on June 28, 2024, cracks and waste slides were observed in the northeastern part of the landfill, but the ED did nothing to avoid the tragedy
In the memo, Dr Okello highlighted that “waste slides or landfill collapse could result in loss of life and property damage.” He added; “Waste movement has blocked the main drainage channel, causing leachate flooding on the neighbourhood farm. Urgent attention and support are needed to mobilize resources for these interventions.”
Kisaka defends self, management against report
When reached out last month for failing to implement preventive measures before tragedy struck, the now-sacked Kisaka defended her management against accusations of negligence.
“Had we been negligent and not done anything about the Kiteezi issue, I would be the first to say I resign. I cannot run away from this challenge before I finish what we started. We care a lot about Kampala. It is our City,” said Kisaka during a talk show on local media after the Kiteezi incident.
“We have actively advocated for decommissioning Kiteezi, we have lobbied for funds to decommission Kiteezi, and we have looked for alternatives to Kiteezi landfill,” She emphasized.
Sacked officials to be replaced immediately
To ensure a swift transition in leadership, the State House’s statement on Tuesday said “The President has directed the Public Service Commission to advertise the positions of Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Director of Public Health, with a goal of appointing new officials within three months.”
Additionally, the Minister for Kampala is tasked with advising the President on interim appointments for these crucial positions to ensure that operations within KCCA continue without disruption until permanent replacements are in place.
