New KCCA ED Hajati Sharifah Buzeki pledges effective service delivery in the city

In a ceremony held at City Hall in Kampala today, Hajjati Sharifah Buzeki was officially sworn in as the new Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). She succeeds Dorothy Kisaka, who, along with her deputy, was dismissed following the tragic collapse of the Kiteezi landfill, an incident that resulted in significant loss of life and property.

The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by the Head of Public Service, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, and was attended by notable political figures, including Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, division mayors, Members of Parliament, Kampala Minister Hajjati Minsa Kabanda, and city councilors.

Prior to her appointment, Buzeki served as a Commissioner in the Ministry of Public Service, where she was instrumental in implementing service delivery standards and promoting results-oriented management across various government departments.

In her inaugural address, Buzeki outlined her commitment to addressing several critical challenges facing Kampala:

Waste Management: She emphasized the urgency of resolving the city’s waste management issues, a concern underscored by the recent Kiteezi landfill disaster. Buzeki pledged to implement sustainable waste disposal solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Infrastructure Development: Acknowledging the deteriorating state of Kampala’s road network, Buzeki committed to prioritizing infrastructure rehabilitation and development to enhance mobility and support economic growth.

Anti-Corruption Measures: Recognizing the pervasive issue of corruption within the city’s administration, she vowed to institute stringent measures to promote transparency and accountability at City Hall.

The Kiteezi landfill collapse, which led to the dismissal of her predecessor, resulted in the deaths of over 35 people and caused extensive property damage. The disaster has been attributed to prolonged heavy rainfall, which destabilized the waste mound, leading to its collapse and the subsequent burial of nearby homes.

Buzeki’s appointment marks her as the third woman to lead KCCA since its establishment. Her extensive experience in public administration and human resource management is expected to bring a transformative approach to the city’s governance. Stakeholders and residents alike are hopeful that her leadership will usher in an era of effective service delivery and urban development in Kampala.

As she embarks on her tenure, Buzeki’s ability to address these pressing challenges will be pivotal in shaping the future trajectory of Uganda’s capital city.