Former KCCA ED Dorothy Kisaka spends night at CID

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Three former top officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) spent the night in the custody of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) following extensive interrogation on Wednesday. The trio, Dorothy Kisaka, the former KCCA Executive Director, her deputy David Luyimbazi, and Dr. Daniel Okello, appeared at the CID headquarters in Kibuli to respond to inquiries related to the tragic Kiteezi landfill collapse, which claimed over 30 lives and prompted President Yoweri Museveni to call for a comprehensive investigation into possible criminal negligence.

CID Director Maj. Tom Magambo, acting on the President’s directives issued on September 24, ordered the detention of the three officials after a day-long interrogation that commenced at around 10:00 am. The Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke, confirmed the detentions in a brief statement, noting that while details of the charges were not disclosed, the former officials would be brought before the courts.

“As we communicated on Monday, 14th October, that we summoned the former KCCA Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka, her former Deputy David Luyimbazi, and the Director of Public Health, Dr. Daniel Okello. They have appeared today and engaged with the team, and arising from the ongoing prosecution-led investigations, the three officials have been detained, and they will be appearing before courts of law,” Kituuma stated.

Security was tight around the CID headquarters, with officers sealing off Kibuli Road and restricting access to Nsambya. Boda-boda riders and taxi drivers were instructed not to stop in the area, and journalists and bystanders were redirected to gather at a distance. The charges against the former officials reportedly stem from their alleged roles in contract irregularities, embezzlement of funds, and environmental enforcement failures. Sources suggest that they are currently detained at Kira-Division Police in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.

Dorothy Kisaka succeeded Andrew Kitaka, who had served in an acting capacity following Jennifer Musisi’s tenure. During her time as the executive director, her administration faced criticism over issues such as deteriorating road conditions and ineffective garbage management. The Kiteezi landfill disaster, which led to multiple fatalities, marked the end of Kisaka’s career at KCCA, raising questions about President Museveni’s decision to renew her three-year contract despite mounting concerns.  Luyimbazi has consistently maintained that the KCCA leadership should not be held solely responsible, arguing that they did not receive adequate funds to address the pressing issues at the landfill.