Corruption and inefficiency will not be tolerated at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the newly appointed executive director, Sharifah Buzeki, has vowed.
Taking a strong stance against malpractice, Buzeki warned lazy and corrupt officers that their days are numbered under her leadership.
“I’ve been described as tough, and that’s accurate—at least for those who fail to meet the standards our leadership demands,” Buzeki said during her oath-taking ceremony at City Hall.
She was joined by her deputy, Benon Kigenyi, in the presence of public service boss Ruth Nakyobe and permanent secretary Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire.
The ceremony followed their appointment by President Yoweri Museveni on December 26.
A Zero-Tolerance Approach to Corruption
Buzeki pledged to strengthen KCCA’s anti-corruption mechanisms to deter unethical behavior among staff.
“Corruption is a two-way street; there’s always a giver and a taker. I urge the public not to tempt our employees, as we’re making it extremely risky for anyone to engage in corrupt practices,” she stated.
Priority: Accountability and Innovation
Buzeki highlighted waste management as a pressing issue, emphasizing her commitment to innovative solutions such as turning waste into energy.
She urged Kampala residents to adopt better garbage management practices and announced plans to fast-track the acquisition of a new landfill for the city.
Her broader agenda includes modernizing KCCA’s planning systems to improve infrastructure, construction oversight, and traffic management through digitization.
Other key priorities include enhancing safety, streamlining revenue collection, and improving trade order and street lighting to create a more functional city.
A Call for Transparency and Collaboration
The event was attended by several political and administrative leaders, including Kampala state minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye, Kampala minister Minsa Kabanda, and Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
During their remarks, attendees emphasized the need for unity, transparency, and a commitment to service delivery.
Nakyobe acknowledged that KCCA has long struggled with corruption, poor drainage, and substandard roads. She urged Buzeki and Kigenyi to focus on building robust systems to improve efficiency and meet the expectations of Kampala’s citizens.
“Your journey will be challenging, but diligence and integrity will see you through,” she said.
Mayor Lukwago highlighted the importance of governance and funding reforms, calling on the new leaders to ensure the implementation of strategic plans that have previously stalled.
A Vision of Change
Buzeki’s vision for KCCA is rooted in integrity and modernization. She promised to address the root causes of inefficiency and corruption while ensuring that services are delivered effectively to the people of Kampala.
“The citizens of this city are watching and waiting for transformative leadership. Together, we can build a better Kampala—one rooted in transparency and accountability,” she affirmed.
