Kampala Woman Member of Parliament, Shamim Malende, has expressed doubts that the recent dismissal of three Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials by President Museveni will resolve the city’s enduring challenges, including the ongoing garbage crisis.
According to Malende, the issues plaguing Kampala run deeper than the personnel changes and require a fundamental shift in how the city’s leadership operates.
Malende advocates for reforms that would grant more authority to elected city council leaders, allowing them to execute their mandate without interference from the executive branch.
“Removing Kisaka and her team will not solve Kampala’s problems,” she stated, referencing the recent firings.
“These challenges existed even during Jennifer Musisi’s tenure. Replacing one face with another will not make a difference unless we address the root cause of the issue.”
She pointed to the role of the executive in KCCA’s affairs as a major obstacle, citing the presence of multiple executive figures, including the Executive Director, the Resident City Commissioner, and the Minister for Kampala.
“Why can’t the President explain what these officials do, their roles, and who they report to before executing their mandate?” Malende questioned.
She further stressed the need to scrutinize the external forces influencing KCCA officials.
“As we blame these individuals for negligence, we must also look at those behind them—the people giving directions on what to do and what not to do,” she noted.
The MP’s comments come amid growing tensions at KCCA, where recent council meetings have highlighted internal power struggles.
Malende insists that elected council members should be empowered to represent their constituents and implement solutions without undue interference.
“We need to focus on giving elected leaders the authority to address the issues affecting the people of Kampala,” she concluded.