(Kampala) – Former top officials of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) will appear at the Kasangati Chief Magistrate Court today, November 4, for a hearing on their bail application. These former leaders, who include Dorothy Kisaka (ex-KCCA executive director), David Luyimbazi (former deputy executive director), and Dr. Daniel Okello (former public health director), have been charged with 57 counts of manslaughter following a massive garbage landslide that led to multiple fatalities.
The three, who were recently dismissed from their positions by President Yoweri Museveni, have been held in Luzira prison since their first court appearance in October, where they pleaded not guilty to all charges. The presiding judge over their case, Magistrate Beatrice Kainza, initially remanded them after their arrest and investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Kibuli.
Kisaka’s defense team includes lawyers Apollo Nelson Makubuya and Fred Muwema, while Muhammad Gali Bazilengede represents Luyimbazi, and Asuman Nyonyitono represents Dr. Okello.
The charges against the trio stem from the catastrophic garbage slide incident on August 11, 2024, at the Kiteezi Landfill in Wakiso District. This disaster reportedly killed 35 people, with 11 individuals still missing. The tragedy is alleged to have resulted from poor waste management practices at the landfill, a responsibility that was under the jurisdiction of the KCCA leaders at the time.
According to the prosecution, the accused leaders, along with others who remain at large, are alleged to have failed in their duties between July 2020 and August 10, 2024. It is claimed that they did not secure the necessary permits for Kiteezi Landfill, neglected warnings about the risk of a waste collapse, and allowed operations to continue despite potential hazards to nearby residents and properties.
The prosecution has outlined several specific allegations, including:
| Allegation | Description |
|---|---|
| Lack of Permits | Operating the Kiteezi landfill without required permits and licenses. |
| Neglect of Warnings | Ignoring clear warnings of an impending disaster. |
| Failure to Act | Not taking action to close or decommission the landfill. |
| No Evacuation | Failing to warn or evacuate the neighboring communities. |
Among the lives claimed were Jessica Nantege, Esther Nalubega, Joel Kiyemba, and Violet Nakasi. Others included Phiona Murekatete, an individual identified as Nasser, Sam Kajubi, Nuwaru Kironde, and Shamoni Koronde.
The former KCCA officials have maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings. Their legal representatives argue that the incident stemmed from broader systemic issues in waste management rather than individual neglect.
The court’s decision today will determine whether the three former officials can secure bail as they await trial. Their defense attorneys are expected to argue for their release based on their previous cooperation with authorities and claims of innocence. Meanwhile, the prosecution is likely to stress the gravity of the charges, potentially arguing for their continued detention due to the public impact of the case.
Today’s court appearance marks the latest step in a high profile case that has drawn significant public and media attention, with many in Kampala watching closely for the court’s ruling on the bail applications of the former KCCA officials.
