Hajat Sharifah Buzeki has pledged to tackle the growing waste management challenges in Kampala City. Buzeki made the commitment during her swearing-in ceremony as the new Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), held alongside her Deputy, Benon Kigenyi.
In a significant development last month, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Buzeki to the position of Executive Director, with Kigenyi serving as her Deputy. They replace Dorothy Kisaka and her Deputy, David Luyimbazi, who were dismissed following the tragic Kiteezi Landfill disaster in August 2024, which claimed the lives of over 30 people.
At the time of her appointment, Hajat Buzeki was serving as the Commissioner for Human Resources at the Ministry of Public Service. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
Buzeki was the only woman shortlisted for the top KCCA position, competing against 11 men. Among the other candidates were Asubo Sydney, Atama Gabriel Richard, Kaima Godfrey, Kinga Swizin Mugyema, Kisekka Godfrey Bwebukya, Matte Rogers, and her Deputy, Benon Kigenyi. Additional contenders included Olaboro Emmy Ejuku, Oryono Grandfield Omonda, Ssekabembe Ronald Kiberu, and Tegyeza Joses Kachetero.
Benon Kigenyi, who was sworn in as Deputy Executive Director, previously served as Under Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
In her remarks during the swearing-in ceremony, Buzeki emphasized the need for immediate action on waste management. “Our first priority will be to secure land for the disposal of waste generated in Kampala and the surrounding areas,” she said. “We will explore innovative solutions to combat the growing waste problem in the city. No modern city relies on waste dumping to this extent, and we must change this.”
She also expressed a commitment to promoting waste-to-energy initiatives and launching awareness campaigns to encourage city residents to adopt better waste management practices. “We must do everything possible to reduce the environmental pressure,” she added.
Hajat Sharifah Buzeki Sworn in as KCCA Executive Director
