Several former high-ranking officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have been detained following their interrogation by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in connection with the recent Kiteezi landfill disaster.
The arrests come after the officials were dismissed from their positions earlier this month, a move that has since drawn public attention and raised questions about accountability within the city administration.
The detained officials include former KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, former Deputy Executive Director David Luyimbazi, and former Director of Public Health and Environment Dr. Daniel Okello.
These individuals were summoned for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into their roles in the management of the Kiteezi landfill, which recently suffered a significant environmental and public health disaster, causing widespread concern.
In a statement released by police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, the arrests were confirmed following their appearance before CID officials.
“As we communicated on Monday, October 14, 2024, that we had summoned former KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, former Deputy Executive Director David Luyimbazi, and former Director of Public Health and Environment, Dr. Daniel Okello.
The above have appeared at the CID headquarters today, October 16, 2024, and engaged with our team.
Arising from the ongoing prosecution-led investigation, the three former officials of KCCA have been detained and will be arraigned before courts of law.”
The Kiteezi landfill, located on the outskirts of Kampala, has long been the city’s primary waste disposal site, but recent reports of poor management, overcapacity, and unsafe conditions led to a crisis.
The landfill’s collapse earlier this month caused environmental damage, affected nearby communities, and brought public health risks to the forefront.
The disaster prompted a government-led investigation into the KCCA’s handling of waste management and environmental safety protocols, with particular focus on the actions—or lack thereof—by senior KCCA officials.
The investigation, which has so far led to the arrest of these top officials, is part of broader efforts by the government to address environmental risks and improve waste management in the capital.
The detentions have ignited debate over KCCA’s role in the disaster, with public outcry demanding accountability and improvements in the city’s waste management systems.
Kampala residents and environmental advocates are closely following the case, as the former officials are set to face charges related to their alleged negligence in managing the landfill.
Further details on the charges and the legal proceedings are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
