Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has expressed frustration over delays by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) in releasing a report on the Kiteezi garbage slide tragedy.
The incident, which occurred on August 10, 2024, claimed over 40 lives.
In a letter dated September 18, 2024, addressed to the Inspector of Government, Lukwago called for urgent action to hold culpable individuals accountable.
The Lord Mayor highlighted concerns about corruption within the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), noting that the institution has been consistently ranked among the most corrupt in Uganda.
According to Lukwago, previous efforts to address the issue, including a meeting with the IG on April 25, 2022, resulted in a commitment to set up a special investigation unit to tackle corruption within KCCA. However, Lukwago claims this promise has not been fulfilled.
Following the Kiteezi disaster, the IG launched an investigation, and statements were taken from senior KCCA officials, stakeholders, and whistleblowers.
On August 22, 2024, the Lord Mayor’s office provided what it described as "cogent evidence" implicating members of KCCA’s technical team in misappropriating Shs 4.18 billion meant for maintaining the Kiteezi dumpsite and criminal negligence leading to the tragedy.
Despite the evidence, Lukwago expressed disappointment at the IG's failure to take immediate action, including the interdiction of implicated officials.
"We are getting more concerned about the efficacy of this process and the possible outcome," Lukwago stated, urging the IG to release the report without further delay and to suspend the officers under investigation to ensure a smooth and effective inquiry.
The Lord Mayor also called on Parliament’s Committee of Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) to expedite its own investigation into the matter and deliver a final verdict as soon as possible.
The Kiteezi garbage slide has raised serious concerns about safety, accountability, and governance within KCCA, and the public awaits the IG’s report to shed light on the events that led to the tragedy.