President Museveni has sacked the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka and her deputy, Engineer Luyimbazi over the Kiteezi Landfill disaster in which dozens perished.
Also sacked is Dr. Daniel Okello – Director of Public Health.
“In a decisive response to the findings of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) report concerning the Kiteezi Landfill disaster, the President has exercised his constitutional authority under Article 172 (1) (a) of the 1995 Constitution to dismiss several key officials of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in the public interest due to significant evidence of criminal negligence,” said State House in a statement on Tuesday evening.
The high mountain of garbage at Kiteezi collapsed on August 10, killing dozens of people, burying houses, killing livestock, and destroying other property.
State House said the IGG’s report clearly outlined the severe oversight and negligence exhibited by these officials.
“In light of these findings, the President has called upon the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and other crime management agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter further, focusing on the angle of criminal negligence associated with this distressing event,” the statement added.
Negligence
It recently came to light that Kisaka was briefed and warned about the imminent danger at Kiteezi Landfill a month before the collapse of the rubbish heap.
Kisaka also was 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.
In a memo dated July 2, 2024, the Director of Public Health and Environment, Dr. Daniel Okello Ayen, 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.
The memo reads that on June 28, 2024, cracks and waste slides were observed in the north-eastern part of the landfill.
“Waste movement has blocked the main drainage channel, causing leachate flooding on the neighborhood farm,” the memo added.
In the memo, Dr. Okello highlighted that, “Waste slides or landfill collapse could result in loss of life and property damage,” he warned.
“Urgent attention and support are needed to mobilize resources for these interventions.”
A little over a month after the issuance of the warning, the disaster struck.
Kisaka speaks out
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 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,” Kisaka said.
To ensure a swift transition in leadership, 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.
State House said the President remains committed to upholding accountability and maintaining the highest standards of governance for the benefit of all citizens.
