KCCA releases 100-day interim leadership update

23 December 2024, 6:37 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Acting Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Mr. Frank Rusa, has updated the country on the achievements made during the first 100 days of their leadership while addressing journalists in Kampala today.

“It is my privilege and honour today to present an update on the commitments and achievements of Kampala Capital City Authority during the 100-day period. This time frame has been characterised by substantial progress towards our vision of a sustainable, vibrant, and attractive city, underpinned by the commendable efforts of our teams across all directorates and departments,” Rusa said.

According to Mr. Rusa, they have managed to secure land for a new landfill. “We have successfully acquired a 230-acre piece of land in Nsujju, Mpigi district, off Mityana road, approximately 27 kilometers from the city center, to establish a new, more sustainable waste management site to resolve the waste management issues across the city. This acquisition is a pivotal move towards enhancing our environmental footprint and managing waste more effectively. Among others, it will help us to clear the backlog of garbage in the city from our markets and other communities,” he confirmed.

Rusa also told reporters that 70% of identified illegal garbage dumping hotspots in communities have been cleared, with intensified efforts to address the remainder through community engagement. The Executive Director also confirmed that they have achieved 100% citywide coverage through a behavioral change and sanitation campaign aimed at educating the public on waste management practices. The campaign concluded on December 20 with an awarding ceremony for the best division in solid waste management, in which Makindye emerged the best, followed by Rubaga and Kawempe.

The Kampala City Rehabilitation Project has also been implemented this year. “We have achieved 30% physical progress against a 40% target. This implies 75% performance. This has largely been due to the rains that pose numerous challenges to the contractors. On December 18, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinnah Nabbanja, together with the ministers for Works, Security, ICT, and Kampala, toured some of these projects and appreciated the progress,” he said.

Pothole elimination in the city has also been implemented. “We have eliminated potholes on a number of roads in the Central Division as we committed: Kampala Road, Rashid Khamis, Kimathi Avenue, Prince Charles Drive, Moyo Close, Turfnell Drive, Bombo Road, Yusuf Lule Road, among others. Our efforts have extended to other divisions, including Rubaga Division on Bukoto-Kyebando Road and Makindye Division,” Rusa said.

Regarding revenue collection, by December 19, 2024, the authority had already attained Uganda Shillings 31 billion for the second quarter of the Financial Year 2024/25. “This reflects the success of our revenue mobilization strategies and the cooperative spirit of our residents and partners. This may be a portion of what we spend in the city but is significant to our journey to self-sustainability. The KCCA local revenue target this financial year is 120 billion, and we believe this will be achieved,” he stated.

The authority also provided an update on the renovation of the city mortuary. “The KCCA City Mortuary located at Mulago is scheduled to undergo major renovations and upgrades to the cold rooms. This work will be undertaken by the UPDF engineering brigade over six to eight months. Therefore, the KCCA City Mortuary will close on January 6, 2025, and temporarily stop hosting our departed to pave the way for this great service. During this period of closure, the KCCA mortuary team will shift to Mulago Hospital Mortuary to ensure continuity in the provision of accountability efforts. Finally, I am proud to officially launch the KCCA Anti-Corruption Hotline,” he concluded.

The Executive Director wished Ugandans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025.