Former Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga is among the notable candidates vying for the position of Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Other prominent applicants include interim executive director Frank Rusa, former NSSF MD Richard Byarugaba, and former Financial Intelligence Authority head Sydney Asubo.
In total, 39 individuals have expressed interest in the top role, alongside positions for deputy executive director and director of public health, attracting a similarly impressive roster of applicants.
The allure of the KCCA executive role, with a salary exceeding Shs 40 million per month, has drawn many to apply despite the tumultuous history of KCCA leadership, where executives are frequently dismissed for incompetence. This pattern raises questions about the political dynamics surrounding the role, which many argue has become more about navigating political factions than about effective governance.
The KCCA's operational structure has long been a point of contention. With a mixture of political appointees from the presidency, public service bureaucrats, and opposition leaders like Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, the authority operates under a complex web of conflicting interests.
Many believe this creates a challenging environment for any new executive director, particularly in light of recent scandals and public outcry for accountability following a deadly incident at the Kiteezi landfill.
Recent events culminated in President Museveni dismissing three top KCCA officials, including the Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, following a report by the Inspector General of Government that cited negligence related to the Kiteezi disaster. This incident not only displaced residents but also ignited public demands for accountability that extend to the ministers overseeing KCCA operations.
The political backdrop significantly impacts the role of KCCA's executive director, with various power centers vying for influence. As Ronald Balimwezo, MP for Nakawa East, noted, the overlapping authorities—from the President to the Lord Mayor—complicate governance and decision-making.
Candidates must navigate these dynamics carefully, balancing the needs of different stakeholders while attempting to implement necessary reforms.
The recent recruitment process has drawn scrutiny, especially with established figures like Kabushenga and Byarugaba, who are nearing retirement age, seeking the top job. Critics argue that this perpetuates a cycle where experienced executives occupy positions without allowing younger professionals to emerge.
Infrastructure experts and political observers contend that regardless of who assumes the role, systemic issues at KCCA may hinder effective leadership. The authority has historically struggled with planning, disaster management, and public health initiatives. An infrastructure expert remarked that even the most qualified individuals may find their efforts stymied by entrenched problems and bureaucratic inertia.
In light of these challenges, acting executive director Frank Rusa has outlined a six-point plan to address KCCA's pressing issues, including a smart city agenda and waste management improvements. However, the effectiveness of such initiatives remains to be seen, given the historical context and current political climate surrounding KCCA.
As the search for KCCA's new leadership unfolds, the conversation continues around the need for structural reforms and clear delineation of roles within the authority. The ongoing debate underscores the critical importance of establishing a functional governance framework that can effectively serve the needs of Kampala's residents.
