(Kampala) – Three former top officials of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), facing 57 charges connected to the Kiteezi landfill collapse in August, have been released on bail by Kasangati Chief Magistrate Beatrice Khainza. The tragic slide killed over 34 people and injured many more. The accused—former executive director Dorothy Kisaka, former deputy executive director David Luyimbazi, and former director of public health Dr. Daniel Okello—were each granted bail after presenting four sureties to the court, which were accepted by the magistrate.
The bail for each of the former officials was set at five million shillings in cash, while their sureties were bonded for one hundred million shillings each, a sum not required in cash. Chief Magistrate Khainza reviewed and accepted the documents provided by the sureties, confirming that there was no objection from the prosecution regarding their credibility. She noted that the decision was made in accordance with Article 23 of Uganda’s Constitution, the country’s bail guidelines, and Section 77 of the Magistrates Court Act.
The charges filed against Kisaka, Luyimbazi, and Okello primarily revolve around accusations of manslaughter and causing death or harm through negligent actions. Prosecutors claim that between July 2020 and August 10, 2024, the accused neglected their responsibility to manage the Kiteezi landfill safely. Their alleged failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses reportedly contributed to the disaster, which occurred at the Kiteezi landfill in Lusanja village, Wakiso district.
According to the prosecution, as senior KCCA officials, the accused were expected to oversee the landfill’s operations with adherence to safety and regulatory standards. It is alleged that by operating the landfill without appropriate permits, they exposed nearby residents to significant danger. The slide on August 10 led to substantial loss of life and injuries, sparking both public outcry and legal action.
| Bail Details | Amount (UGX) |
|---|---|
| Cash Bail per Accused | 5 million |
| Bond for Each Surety | 100 million (not cash) |
The defense for the former KCCA officials is being led by lawyer MacDosman Kabega, who has argued that the accused have been cooperative with the investigation and have strong ties to the community, making them unlikely flight risks.
This case has drawn widespread attention, with many Ugandans watching closely as it progresses through the courts. The government’s handling of solid waste management in urban areas, particularly around the Kiteezi landfill, has come under scrutiny following the tragedy.
The next court hearing date is yet to be announced, but the accused are expected to return to court as the legal process unfolds, with the prosecution and defense preparing to present their cases in detail.
