Skepticism as KCCA Bigwigs Arrested at CID

When the police announced that they had detained former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials, the reactions were anything but ordinary. As always, the Twitter streets exploded with a blend of skepticism, humor, and deep distrust. It’s safe to say that Ugandans have seen this movie before—same plot, different cast.

This time, the stars are Dorothy Kisaka, the former KCCA Executive Director, Eng. David Luyimbazi, the ex-Deputy Executive Director, and Dr. Daniel Okello, former Director of Public Health. These three, now headline stars in the unfolding Kiteezi landfill saga, have been detained after they “engaged” with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) team, as the police so diplomatically put it.

This arrest comes after the trio was linked to the tragic collapse of the Kiteezi landfill, which killed 35 people in August. The tragedy left many wondering how something so horrific could happen under the noses of senior officials whose job it was to prevent such disasters.

According to the Uganda Police Force’s official Twitter handle, the three showed up at the CID headquarters on October 16, 2024, as summoned. But the twist came when they were detained, marking the latest chapter in this already murky investigation. Of course, you don’t have to look far to find doubters who believe this “detention” is just a pit stop before the inevitable release on bail—after all, this is Uganda.

As @FrankBwambale put it, “We are used to these China town arrests. They will be out soon. Save us our laughter!” The man’s cynicism is nothing if not a reflection of many Ugandans’ sentiments—arrests come in, but justice hardly ever gets served. They’ve seen it all before: from the Mabaati scandal, where iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities mysteriously disappeared, to the numerous corruption cases involving MPs who somehow manage to walk free, often with their fortunes intact.

So, the police arrested the KCCA officials—great. But will they “bite,” as @HerbertYaweh so eloquently tweeted, or will they just keep barking? In Uganda, when high-profile arrests happen, many Ugandans start counting the days until the inevitable bail announcement, a reality that’s been normalized through years of similar sagas. The comparison to barking dogs is fitting—a lot of noise, but no real action.

There’s a lot of spectacle, a bit of suspense, but you already know who’s going to win.

As @Lubega pointed out, “Since they have been around and when summoned they produced themselves to U, they should haven’t been detained. I mean these are senior citizens with credible reputation.” But to many, the “credible reputation” is exactly the problem—too much credibility and not enough accountability.

Of course, as these former officials sit in their cells, or at least wherever they’re being “detained,” the real question is whether this case will go beyond the standard courtroom theatrics. After all, how many Ugandan officials have been convicted of major crimes in the past few years? And more importantly, how many have actually returned any money stolen from the taxpayer’s coffers?

As @NatukundaAmbro1 hilariously pointed out, “What’s funny is that the courts never order any of the corrupt to return the taxpayer’s money.” You’ve got to admire the brutal truth behind that statement. At the end of the day, Ugandans often feel like they’re getting shortchanged by their own justice system.

Let’s not forget @GoodlyMonteiro’s sarcastic reminder about the “orders from above.” It’s no secret that in Ugandan politics, not much happens without the proverbial nod from the highest office in the land. Was this arrest just another way to pacify public outrage, or is it the beginning of genuine accountability?

One of Uganda’s oldest political adages goes, “The big fish don’t swim in small ponds.” And indeed, as we all wait to see whether these KCCA officials are reeled in for good or simply let go to swim another day, one thing is clear: Ugandans are no longer holding their breath.

If Ugandan history has taught us anything, it’s that we should prepare for a predictable sequel—arrest, bail, and eventually, the quiet fade into obscurity as the police continue their “prosecution-led investigation.”

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