Kampala, October 18 — Former Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Dorothy Kisaka, her Deputy, Eng. David Luyimbazi and the Director for Public Health, Dr. Daniel Okello have been charged with manslaughter and 46 other offences and remanded to Luzira prison until November 4, 2024.
The trio who were delivered to Kasangati Chief Magistrates court before midday Friday October 18, were arraigned before Chief magistrate, Beatrice Kainza, at 4pm who read to them a total of 57 charges, of which 35 counts of manslaughter and 22 of causing grievous harm – for their alleged fatal failure to act and avert tragedy at the Kiteezi landfill.
After reading the charges, the Chief magistrates said that it was too late for her court to attend to bail applications and remanded them to prison until November 4, 2024, which left the defence team fuming in frustration accusing the State of playing delaying tactics.
Dorothy Kisaka, Eng. Luyimbaazi and Dr. Okello arriving at Kasangati Chief Magistrates court
At least 34 people were killed and scores of others injured when tonnes of garbage at Kiteezi landfill crushed onto their homes in August, the Kasangati Chief Magistrates Court heard.
According to the state, between July 2020 and August 10, 2024, the former KCCA officials failed in their duties by allowing the continued operation of the Kiteezi landfill without the necessary permits and licenses.
They are also accused of ignoring multiple warnings about the imminent risk of a disaster, including the potential for a garbage slide and failing to decommission the landfill or take action to protect nearby communities.
The charges further allege that the officials did not evacuate or warn residents of the impending dangers, nor did they take timely steps to address the potential risk of loss of life.
These omissions and acts of negligence, according to the state, directly contributed to the disaster that caused both fatalities and injuries.
During the court session, Kisaka, Luyimbazi, and Okello all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate Kainza reiterated the presumption of not guilty until the State proves its case against the suspects and urged them to file formal applications for their bail with both the court and the State.
The remand completes a pattern involving high-profile officials in recent times. It all starts with CID summons and a quick siren-filled drive to Kira Division Police or Nateete where VIP holding cells await.
A search on homes and charges before a court of law followed before being taken to prison on remand completing the ordeal.
