KAMPALA – Three former top officials of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have been remanded to Luzira prison until November 4, 2024. Mrs. Dorothy Kisaka, the former Executive Director, Engineer David Luyimbazi, the former Deputy Executive Director, and Dr. Daniel Okello, the former Director of Public Health, were detained in connection with the Kiteezi landfill disaster.
The tragic incident, which occurred on August 10, 2024, resulted in dozens of deaths and left many more displaced. The landfill’s collapse sparked widespread outrage, prompting President Museveni to take swift action. He fired the trio following a damning report from the Inspector General of Government (IGG), highlighting severe negligence and oversight failures on the part of the KCCA leadership.
The investigation, led by the police, focuses on alleged mismanagement, corruption, and environmental regulation violations that contributed to the disaster. The probe seeks to unravel the circumstances surrounding the landfill’s operations, maintenance, and supervision.
Kisaka, Luyimbazi, and Okello were recently detained after presenting themselves at the Kibuli CID Headquarters on October 16, 2024. They had been summoned two days prior and were subsequently arrested following interrogation. The trio is currently being held at Natete and Kira police stations.
Their arraignment in court marked a significant step towards accountability and justice for the victims and their families. The Ugandan public is closely watching the unfolding events, eager to see those responsible held accountable for the devastating tragedy.
The KCCA has since undergone restructuring, with new leadership vowing to implement reforms and ensure adherence to safety standards. The authority has initiated measures to prevent similar incidents, including regular inspections and community engagement.
As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered. What led to the catastrophic failure of the landfill? Were there warning signs ignored? How will those responsible be held accountable? The nation awaits answers and justice for the lives lost and affected by the Kiteezi landfill disaster.
The remanding of the former KCCA officials signals a commitment to transparency and accountability. It is a crucial step towards healing the wounds of the affected communities and restoring public trust in the authority.
