On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, three former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials were arrested after being summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to appear at their headquarters in Kibuli, Kampala. This action relates to the Kiteezi landfill disaster that occurred on August 10, 2024, resulting in over 35 fatalities and extensive property damage.
The Uganda Police, via the CID, conducted searches at the residences of the former officials following the tragedy, which left many individuals homeless. Reports indicate that the searches took place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, targeting the homes of Dorothy Kisaka, former KCCA Executive Director; Engineer David Luyimbazi, former Deputy Executive Director; and Dr. Daniel Okello, former Director of Public Health and Environment.
The arrested officials were escorted in a police drone from Kira police station, where they had spent the night, to their homes under heavy security.
Social media users have expressed confusion over the police’s decision to search the officials’ residences. One user, Keltex Timothy, questioned, “Are they searching for stolen rubbish? I don’t understand the purpose of searching someone’s house over this.”
As of now, the results of the searches have not been disclosed, and the rationale behind them remains unclear. Further details are expected to emerge.
The arrests followed the issuance of summonses on October 14, 2024, as confirmed by police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke on social media. He stated, “As we announced, former KCCA officials Dorothy Kisaka, David Luyimbazi, and Dr. Daniel Okello appeared at CID headquarters today, October 16, 2024, for questioning.”
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni dismissed Kisaka, Luyimbazi, and Okello on September 24, 2024, after an Inspector General of Government report highlighted significant oversight and negligence linked to the Kiteezi landfill disaster.
As of yesterday 18 October 2024...
The Kasangati Chief Magistrate's Court remanded former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, her former Deputy David Luyimbazi, and KCCA Director of Public Health Dr. Daniel Okello until November 4, 2024. The trio faces a total of 57 charges, including manslaughter and causing death or injury through negligent acts, stemming from the collapse of the Kiteezi landfill on August 10, which resulted in 35 fatalities and 21 injuries.
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During their appearance before Chief Magistrate Beatrice Khainza on Friday, the accused were charged with 34 counts of manslaughter and an alternative charge of causing death by negligence, along with additional charges related to causing harm through negligence. All three have denied the allegations.
State attorney Lillian Omara requested more time for further investigations, leading to the adjournment of the case. Defense lawyer Fred Muwema sought bail for his clients but encountered delays due to the late arrival of state attorneys, which pushed the proceedings past 4 p.m. Muwema asked the court to either hear the bail applications or grant temporary bail, citing the accused's cooperation with the police.
However, the magistrate declined to proceed with the bail hearing due to the late hour and advised the defense to submit formal bail applications.
