Former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, along with her former deputy Eng. David Luyimbazi Ssali and the former Director of Public Health, Dr. Daniel Okello have been formally charged with 57 counts of manslaughter by the Kasangati Chief Magistrates Court and later remanded to Luzira prison until November 4th 2024.
The charges stem from their alleged negligence in managing the Kiteezi landfill, which led to a disaster that claimed the lives of at least 35 people on August 10th 2024.
The charges were read out in court by the Kansangati Chief Magistrate Beatrice Khainza and alleged that the three former KCCA officials failed to take crucial actions to prevent the tragedy. They all pleaded not guilty to charges.
According to the charge sheet, they stand accused of manslaughter under Section 171 of the Penal Code Act.
The court documents outline that between July 2020 and August 2024, the officials neglected their duties related to the Kiteezi landfill’s management, leading to the deadly collapse.
The prosecution argued that the accused failed to obtain relevant permits and licenses for the landfill’s continued operation and neglected to close or decommission the site despite warnings of imminent danger.
Additionally, they are accused of failing to evacuate the nearby residents, which ultimately resulted in the death of 35 people when a large mass of garbage collapsed, burying nearby homes.
The charges come just hours after the three former KCCA officials were taken into custody following a police investigation.
On Thursday, October 16th 2024, Kisaka, along with Luyimbazi and Dr. Okello, were summoned to Police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) headquarters at Kibuli, Kampala for questioning.
After hours of interrogation, the three were detained on accusations of criminal negligence linked to the landfill disaster. The trio spent last night in Police cells.
The incident at Kiteezi landfill, one of Kampala’s largest waste disposal sites, sparked national outrage after the collapse caused loss of lives and severe damage to property.
The landfill had long been a source of concern due to its unsafe conditions and proximity to residential areas. However, despite these concerns, the landfill remained operational, which ultimately led to the disaster.
According to Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the former KCCA officials’ failure to address safety concerns and take corrective action directly contributed to the tragedy.
By Elizabeth Ankunda
18 Oct 2024
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