KCCA Health Director Under Fire as Explosive Allegations at Kiteezi Landfill Emerge

Ibrahim Jjunju
6 Min Read
Dr. Okello’s qualifications have also come under question. Despite holding a dental degree, critics argue that his background does not align with the responsibilities of his current role.

KCCA Health Director’s Future Uncertain Amid Multiple Allegations


The future of Dr. Daniel Ayen Okello, Director of Public Health and Environment at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), is uncertain as his reappointment hangs in the balance. Dr. Okello, who is related to Minister Okello Oryem, is nearing the end of his current term, which expires in one month. He has been making efforts to secure his position by seeking endorsements from various offices, including City Hall and the President’s Office. However, according to sources within KCCA, his reappointment is far from guaranteed.




Dr. Okello, who was first appointed in 2018 and whose contract is renewed every three years, has come under scrutiny for several issues related to his management of the Public Health and Environment Directorate. Sources indicate that a brief report highlights numerous concerns, including the mismanagement of the Kiteezi landfill. The landfill, which serves both Kampala and Wakiso district, is in a dire state, with issues such as the absence of a weighbridge, poor garbage compaction, and a non-operational laboratory. Despite an annual budget of UGX 3 billion for landfill maintenance, there is no sewage treatment in place, and the site is at risk of landslides, prompting residents to consider legal action against the authority.




Another point of contention is the 13 acres of land at the Dundu garbage dumping site in Mukono District, which has remained unused for over six years. Encroachers have begun occupying the land, further complicating the situation.




In addition to these landfill issues, Dr. Okello’s leadership has been criticized for its treatment of casual workers. It is alleged that his directorate has delayed payments to these workers, leading to a negative perception of the authority. Furthermore, the directorate has failed to recruit permanent staff, with over 80% of its workforce being temporary or casual. This has hindered government programs, including recent health campaigns.

Dr. Okello is also accused of centralizing authority in his office, making it non-operational when he is away. This lack of delegation has been cited as a significant flaw in his leadership style.

The Public Health and Environment Directorate, which is responsible for ensuring the health and productivity of Kampala’s citizens, is divided into two sections: preventive and curative. However, both sections have faced serious challenges under Dr. Okello’s leadership. The preventive section, responsible for environmental management and noise pollution control, is severely understaffed, with only three employees, two of whom are temporary. This department’s work is largely reactive, responding only to complaints rather than proactively managing issues. Moreover, there are allegations that some team members, including Dr. Okello, are on the payrolls of bar owners in the city, compromising the integrity of their work.




The Kiteezi landfill, a critical part of the city’s waste management system, is reportedly overdue for decommissioning. It is poorly managed, with untreated leachate being released into the community and cracks in the landfill that could lead to landslides. The failure to implement effective waste reduction projects, such as waste diversion centers and material recovery facilities, further exacerbates the landfill’s problems. Additionally, the second landfill at Dundu remains non-operational, and the land has been encroached upon.

There have also been failures in deploying new waste-specific ICT tools among KCCA’s smart initiatives, and the directorate has been slow to approve payments for casual workers, leading to discontent among the workforce. The city collects only about 54% of its waste, and there has been a failure to implement effective vector control measures, such as regular fumigation, to prevent the spread of diseases.

Veterinary services have also been neglected, with many livestock and stray animals roaming the city unsupervised. Most abattoirs, except the City abattoir, are not properly monitored.




On the curative side, the directorate has made slow progress in constructing the Maternity and Pediatric wards at Kiswa Health Centre. Additionally, despite available wage funds, there has been a failure to recruit health workers, which has hampered the delivery of healthcare services.

Dr. Okello’s qualifications have also come under question. Despite holding a dental degree, critics argue that his background does not align with the responsibilities of his current role. However, his close connections have reportedly shielded him from accountability.

The KCCA technical wing is said to be considering these issues before making a decision on Dr. Okello’s reappointment as his tenure nears its end.

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Rumor has it that Jjunju was born with a pencil in his hand and a headline in his heart. From an early age, he displayed a peculiar fascination with headlines, often turning everyday events into front-page sensations. His first words? Not "mama" or "dada," but "breaking news."
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