On Wednesday, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki officially took over the technical administration of Kampala City from Frank Rusa, who had been serving in an acting capacity since Dorothy Kisaka was dismissed in September.
Sworn in alongside her deputy, Benon Moses Kigenyi, following successful vetting by the Public Service Commission, Hajjat Buzeki also expressed optimism about uniting the city’s political and technical wings.
“It is possible for the political and technical wings of KCCA to work together, as demonstrated in the last three months. It is not true that the two wings cannot function as a unit,” she began.
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She vowed to prioritise tackling the waste management crisis that has plagued the city for years.
“We’ll fight the battle and acquire land, but we must adopt new models and develop methods to reduce pressure on the landfill,” she said.
She outlined other ambitious plans, including strengthening the urban planning department, improving response times to complaints, regulating public spaces, and combating corruption.
Hajjat Buzeki pointed to strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders in recent months and ongoing road projects as signs of progress.
Immediately after taking the oath of office, Hajjat Buzeki warned Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) employees that she will not permit incompetence, saying, “Many have said I am tough—that may be true for those who fail to deliver.”
She voiced plans to fast-track the acquisition of land for a state-of-the-art waste processing facility, adding, “However, we must adopt new models and methods to reduce pressure on the landfill.”
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago chipped in that the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is a “dysfunctional institution,” warning newly sworn-in Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki of the challenges she is likely to face.
“To Sharifah, the position you are in is loved and loathed in equal measure. It’s not easy to either congratulate or feel sorry for you,” Lukwago advised.
“There are so many power centres, which bring confusion and overlap. Corporate governance has hindered the city. I welcome you to a dysfunctional institution of the KCCA.”
Mr. Lukwago further advised Buzeki to take time to understand the workings of the authority.
“Get to understand the corners of KCCA. Take time off to interrogate why I have stayed here for so long. It’s important to understand the dynamics of the city,” he concluded.
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