KAMPALA – A damning report by the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has implicated two Kampala ministers and the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, in the Kiteezi Landfill disaster. The report attributes part of the blame to the ministers, citing lapses in oversight and poor management of the waste disposal crisis at Kiteezi, which has put residents’ health and safety at risk.
The COSASE report specifically highlights the ministers’ failure to address the longstanding waste management issues at Kiteezi, allowing the situation to escalate into a disaster. Furthermore, PSST Ggoobi is held accountable for withholding funds necessary for decommissioning the Kiteezi Landfill, a critical step in resolving the waste management problems. Despite repeated calls for intervention, the funds were allegedly withheld, causing delays in closing the site and exacerbating the hazardous conditions.
The Kiteezi Landfill disaster has been a ticking time bomb, with the site reaching its capacity as far back as 2015. The tragedy has claimed dozens of lives and highlighted the grave shortcomings of the government’s waste management and governance.
In response to the disaster, President Yoweri Museveni took decisive action, dismissing top Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials. Former Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, Deputy Executive Director David Luyimbazi, and Public Health Director Dr. Daniel Okello were fired following a damning report from the Inspector General of Government (IGG).
The former KCCA officials have since been arrested, charged, and remanded to Luzura prison until November 4, 2024. They face allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and environmental regulation violations contributing to the disaster.
The COSASE report’s findings have sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for greater accountability and urgent reforms in Uganda’s waste management sector. As the investigation continues, the nation awaits justice for the lives lost and affected by the Kiteezi landfill disaster.
Key Developments:
- COSASE report implicates two Kampala ministers and PSST Ramathan Ggoobi in Kiteezi Landfill disaster
- Former KCCA officials Dorothy Kisaka, David Luyimbazi, and Dr. Daniel Okello fired, arrested, and charged
- Former KCCA officials remanded to Luzura prison until November 4, 2024
- Investigation ongoing, with calls for greater accountability and reforms in waste management sector
The Kiteezi Landfill disaster serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of poor governance and neglect. As Uganda seeks to rebuild and prevent similar tragedies, transparency, accountability, and decisive action will be crucial.