Three senior officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) are facing serious legal troubles following the tragic Kiteezi incident. ED Dorothy Kisaka, her deputy David Luyimbazi, and ex- Public Health Director Daniel Okello have been accused of manslaughter and negligence, leading to the deaths of at least 34 people.
The problems began when President Museveni fired Kisaka and the others after a report from the Inspector General of Government (IGG) found them responsible for not addressing warnings about a disaster at the Kiteezi landfill site. Following their dismissal, the President ordered the Police Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) to investigate the officials.
The three were arrested on October 16 and spent the night in police custody. On October 17, police searched Kisaka’s home in Komamboga, but they did not find any incriminating evidence.
The prosecution claims that Kisaka, Luyimbazi, and Okello allowed the landfill to operate without the necessary permits and ignored warnings about dangerous waste levels. They face 57 charges in total, including 34 counts of manslaughter and 21 counts of causing harm through negligence.
If found guilty of manslaughter under Uganda’s Penal Code Act, the officials could spend the rest of their lives in prison. Additionally, the charges of causing harm through negligence could result in further significant prison sentences and hefty fines. These potential punishments show the gravity of their responsibilities and the legal repercussions of failing to ensure public safety.
During a recent court session, the KCCA officials pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. Their lawyer, Fred Muwema, argued for bail, saying requests were delayed due to the late arrival of the magistrate. However, Magistrate Beatrice Kainza denied their bail application and remanded them until November 4.
The public reaction to the case has been one of outrage and concern, with many citizens demanding accountability and justice for the victims. Social media has been flooded with discussions about the responsibility of public officials and the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.