Following the findings of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) concerning the Kiteezi Landfill disaster, President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka and two other top officials.
The move, announced in a press release dated September 24 by the Presidential Press Unit, follows an investigation that revealed criminal negligence and oversight failures within the KCCA, leading to the disaster.
The other officials dismissed officials; Engineer David Luyimbazi, the Deputy Executive Director, and Dr. Daniel Okello, the Director of Public Health.
The dismissals come under Article 172 (1(a) of the 1995 Constitution, which grants the President the authority to act in the public interest.
“In a decisive response to the findings of the IGG report concerning the Kiteezi Landfill disaster, H.E the President has exercised his constitutional authority under Article 172 (1)(a) to dismiss several key officials of the KCCA in the public interest due to significant evidence of criminal negligence,” the statement read.
The IGG’s report, which led to this unprecedented action, outlined severe oversights by these officials, implicating them in the mismanagement that led to the landfill disaster. The report specifically pointed to negligence that endangered public health and the environment.
Call for Further Investigation
President Museveni also directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and other crime management agencies to further probe the matter. The President emphasized the need for thorough investigations to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
“In light of these findings, the President has called upon the CID and other crime management agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter further,” the press release added.
The Kiteezi Landfill disaster, which has caused widespread damage, continues to raise serious concerns about the management of waste disposal in Kampala. The government’s swift response to the IGG’s report signals a firm stand on accountability and governance, especially in areas where negligence threatens the safety and well-being of the public.
To maintain stability and ensure a smooth transition in leadership, President Museveni has tasked the Public Service Commission with advertising the now-vacant positions of Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Director of Public Health. The goal is to have these roles filled within three months.
The President also directed the Minister for Kampala to provide interim appointments for these critical positions to ensure that KCCA’s operations continue uninterrupted until permanent replacements are appointed. The Minister is expected to work closely with the President to ensure that qualified candidates take over the vital roles.
Museveni reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability and governance, especially in the wake of such serious events. The President’s actions send a clear message that negligence and poor management will not be tolerated in public service.
“The President remains committed to upholding accountability and maintaining the highest standards of governance for the benefit of all citizens,” the press release concluded.
