Nakyobe urges KCCA, Lord Mayor’s Office collaboration as Buzeki takes over.
The head of Public Service, Lucy Nakyobe, has emphasised the need for a collaborative approach between the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) leadership and the Lord Mayor’s office to tackle the city’s persistent challenges.
Speaking on Wednesday during the official handover ceremony at City Hall, Nakyobe urged the incoming Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, to bridge political divides and focus on shared goals for the benefit of Kampala residents.
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“In particular, I urge you to foster a collaborative relationship with the Lord Mayor and his office. While differing political perspectives are inevitable, I encourage you to focus on common goals and the greater good of Kampala's residents,” Nakyobe said.
She pointed to the recent Kiteezi landslide tragedy, which claimed 32 lives in August, as a harsh reminder of the consequences of negligence in public service.
“The tragedy underscores the need for accountability and urgency in addressing public safety and service delivery,” she added.
Nakyobe also commended the outgoing acting Executive Director, Frank Rusa, and his deputy for ensuring continuity and addressing key city challenges during the transition period.
Hajjat Buzeki, the third woman to hold the position, officially took over from Rusa, who had been serving in an interim capacity since Dorothy Kisaka’s dismissal in September 2024.
Buzeki pledged to prioritise critical issues, particularly infrastructure development, waste management, and public safety.
“Kampala is a city of great potential,” Buzeki said. “We will tackle the waste management crisis head-on by acquiring land for disposal and adopting innovative methods to reduce pressure on the landfill.”
Her focus on waste management comes as the city grapples with a garbage crisis exacerbated by the Kiteezi landfill disaster, where homes were buried under tonnes of waste. Buzeki vowed to make waste management the cornerstone of her agenda.
In addition, Buzeki outlined plans to strengthen urban planning, digitise public transport to reduce traffic congestion, regulate public spaces, combat corruption, and improve responsiveness to residents’ complaints.
Sworn in alongside her deputy, Benon Moses Kigenyi, following their vetting by the Public Service Commission, Buzeki expressed optimism about uniting the city’s political and technical wings.
Her appointment follows the ongoing prosecution of former KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, her deputy David Luyimbazi, and public health director David Okello for allegedly ignoring a report warning of an imminent disaster at the Kiteezi landfill.
