Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) welcomes a new era today as the newly appointed executive director, Ms. Sharifah Buzeki, and her deputy, Mr. Benon Kigenyi, officially assume office. Their arrival marks the end of a transitional period led by interim leaders following significant challenges at the city authority over the past year.
The new leaders have taken the oath of office in a ceremony that has paved the way for their duties to commence. KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabiine confirmed the development during a telephone interview, expressing optimism among staff about the new leadership.
“Yes, it is true. The new executive director is taking over office tomorrow (today), and as KCCA staff, we are excited about it,” said Mr. Nuwabiine. He added, “We believe their leadership will resolve bottlenecks that interim leaders could not, such as approvals for key transactions.”
Ms. Buzeki’s appointment by President Museveni, in consultation with the Public Service Commission, was announced on December 26. She replaces Ms. Dorothy Kisaka, who was dismissed in the wake of the devastating Kiteezi landfill collapse in August last year. The tragedy claimed at least 35 lives, displaced about 1,000 residents, and drew public scrutiny over KCCA’s waste management systems.
In the same reshuffle, Mr. David Luyimbazi, the former deputy executive director, was also relieved of his duties. During the transitional period, the director of legal affairs, Mr. Frank Nyakaana Rusa, was appointed as acting executive director. Mr. Rusa is expected to return to his legal affairs role after officially handing over the office to Ms. Buzeki.
Ms. Buzeki, formerly a commissioner for human resource management at the Ministry of Public Service, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She outlined a bold vision for Kampala City’s transformation, anchored in a three-year strategy dubbed the "10-point master plan." Her deputy, Mr. Kigenyi, previously undersecretary at the Ministry of East African Community, is expected to complement her efforts with his extensive administrative background.
Among the pressing issues on their agenda is waste management, a sector that has been under intense scrutiny since the Kiteezi disaster. Ms. Buzeki has emphasized the adoption of innovative technologies to address the city's growing waste challenges effectively.
Another critical area is traffic congestion, which continues to frustrate Kampala’s residents and businesses. The new executive director has pledged to work closely with stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions for smoother traffic flow.
The city’s other chronic challenges, including street vending, noise pollution, budget constraints, bad roads, and flooding, will also demand their immediate attention.
In addition to tackling infrastructural issues, Ms. Buzeki has underscored the importance of public safety and security in transforming Kampala into a smart city. She plans to foster a culture of inclusivity through town hall meetings and other public forums to address residents' concerns and align city plans with their needs.
Kampala residents are eager to see how the new leadership will navigate these complex challenges and deliver on their promises. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Ms. Buzeki and her team can steer KCCA toward the much-needed transformation envisioned for Uganda’s bustling capital.
