KAMPALA – Three former top officials of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have been detained by police in connection with the Kiteezi landfill disaster, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of people and left many more displaced.
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, had presented themselves at the Kibuli CID Headquarters on October 16, 2024, after being summoned two days prior. Following interrogation, they were arrested and are currently being held at Natete and Kira police stations.
The Kiteezi landfill collapse, which occurred on August 10, 2024, sparked widespread outrage and led to President Museveni’s swift action, firing the trio. This decision was prompted by a damning report from the Inspector General of Government (IGG), highlighting severe negligence and oversight failures on the part of the KCCA leadership.
According to sources, the investigation is focused on alleged mismanagement, corruption, and violation of environmental regulations, which contributed to the tragic incident. The probe seeks to unravel the circumstances surrounding the landfill’s operations, maintenance, and supervision.
The police have confirmed that the trio will be arraigned in court following an ongoing prosecution-led investigation. The exact date of their court appearance has not been announced yet.
This development marks 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 also 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 warnings 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.