Lukwago ‘sympathises’ with New KCCA ED Bazeki as she takes office

This Wednesday morning, Sharifah Buzeki officially assumed office as the new Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

She took over from Frank Rusa, who has been holding the office in acting capacity following the firing of Dorothy Kisaka in September last year

The handover ceremony was marked by both optimism and caution by different speakers.

 Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, in his remarks, congratulated the new leadership but issued a stern warning about the magnitude of the challenges awaiting Buzeki in her new role.

“A Coveted but Challenging Position”

Lukwago opened his remarks by congratulating Buzeki and her deputy on their appointments, acknowledging the significance of their new roles. 

However, he tempered his congratulations with a note of caution.

“The position you are occupying now is both loved and lobbied for in equal measure. I am torn between sympathising with you and congratulating you, but I wish you all the best,” Lukwago remarked.

Having worked with three Executive Directors during his tenure, all of whom have been women, Lukwago noted the structural challenges facing KCCA.

 “You may be here hyping Madam Sharifah, believing she will achieve amazing things, but without a structural plan, we are incapacitated,” he said.

Lukwago nited that Kampala’s growing slum problem is rooted in the city’s lack of a proper structural framework.

Bazeki Vows to Tackle City Challenges

Taking the podium, Buzeki expressed gratitude for her appointment, pledging to address Kampala’s pressing challenges, particularly waste management.

 She outlined plans to promote waste-to-energy solutions and land acquisition for proper waste disposal.

“We will ensure security, safety of the city residents and their property. People should live in this city peacefully,” Buzeki stated. 

She acknowledged corruption as a major challenge but affirmed her commitment to mitigating it.

Integrity and Service Delivery Emphasised

On her part, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the minister for Kampala reminded the new leadership that collaboration and integrity are essential for progress. 

“Stay grounded in integrity because you will face challenges, pushes, and sometimes criticism. Upholding integrity will earn respect and trust,” she advised.

A Call for Collaboration Amid Political Differences

In her remarks, Lucy Nakyoobe, the head of Public Service acknowledged the efforts of the interim leadership team and urged the new administration to prioritise collaboration with the Lord Mayor’s office.

 “While differing political perspectives are inevitable, I encourage you to focus on common goals and the greater good of Kampala's residents,” she said.

Nakyoobe also referred to the recent Kiteezi landslide tragedy, emphasising the importance of vigilance and proactive planning to prevent such incidents in the future.