KCCA ED urged to combat corruption to prevent unplanned buildings and drainage

30 March 2025, 11:28 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Executive Director (ED) of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, has been urged to address issues within her physical planning department. The call was made by Menton Salim, the leader of 7 Hills, one of the city’s cleaning agencies, during a large-scale waste collection and sorting exercise in Makindye, Kibuye I Parish, Kampala district, yesterday.

“The Physical Planning Department of KCCA needs to wake up and do the right thing. The flooding we see in the city is a result of poor planning, yet these buildings were allowed to be constructed despite the awareness of physical planners. They didn’t intervene, likely because they were bribed. I therefore appeal to the ED to find ways to combat this corruption,” Menton said.

Menton went on to say that another problem is that communities are crippled. “Let me tell you, our communities are crippled because we’ve been here cleaning, but most of the leaders in this area are nowhere to be seen. Even the people themselves have stayed in their homes, yet we are trying to ensure they live in a healthy environment. This culture of leaving things to the government must stop. It’s not the government that will get sick, but you, who have refused to abide by the law. However, the government must also enforce the laws. You can’t allow people to build next to drainage channels; it’s wrong,” he said.

It should be remembered that President Yoweri Museveni promised to inject some funds into Kampala cleaning SACCOs, but they have yet to receive the money.

“The President promised to support our 10 SACCOs, but up to now, we haven’t received the funds. We appeal to the President to fulfil this promise. In 7 Hills, we work with all religions, including Muslims, so on that note, allow me to congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters for fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. May Allah accept your fasting and Eid Mubarak. As 7 Hills, we would like to confirm our participation in the forthcoming Kabaka Birthday Run, scheduled for 6th April 2025. We’ve volunteered to clean the palace for free, and we’ve also purchased our running kits. We would like to appeal to the general public to participate in this cause, as it is for our own benefit,” he said.

According to the area councillors, the issue of poor drainage channels has led to poor hygiene among the residents. “My name is Kaweesa Bashir, councillor for Kibuye I Parish. We have come here to join our leaders in KCCA to clean up our community and prevent diseases such as Ebola, Malaria, Cholera, and others. We also want to remind our people of the dangers of living in a dirty environment. The floods have affected us severely, especially in areas like Nabisalu, Nkere, and others,” he said.

Another councillor, Mr. Nsimbi Ivan, encouraged residents to sort their waste so it can be recycled, which could also generate income. The Executive Director thanked 7 Hills and others for their participation in the large-scale waste collection and sorting process. “Thank you for dedicating your day to this cause. Together, we can create the clean city we all deserve,” he said.