Kampala, Uganda – Kampala City has ushered in a new chapter in its governance yesterday, Wednesday, 8 January 2025, as Hajjat Sharifa Buzeki was sworn in as the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
The ceremony, held at City Hall on Tuesday, marked her formal assumption of office, making her the third Executive Director since the KCCA Act was enacted in 2010.
The event was graced by city officials, dignitaries, and staff, all eager to witness the leadership transition. In her inaugural speech, Ms. Buzeki struck a resolute tone, addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
She made it clear that complacency would have no place under her leadership, urging KCCA staff to embrace a culture of discipline, hard work, and collaboration.
“Achieving the city’s development objectives requires teamwork and commitment,” she emphasised, pointing out that addressing Kampala’s challenges will necessitate an all-hands-on-deck approach.
Outlining her ambitious agenda for the city, Ms. Buzeki pledged to transform Kampala into a modern, efficient, and livable city.
Central to her plans is addressing the city’s longstanding issues, including waste management and corruption. She announced that acquiring land for a state-of-the-art waste processing facility would be prioritised, a move expected to bring a sustainable solution to the city’s waste crisis.
“Kampala has immense untapped potential, and my focus will be on ensuring that every effort contributes to improving the lives of its residents,” she remarked, reinforcing her vision for a city that works for its people.
Speaking at the same event, Kampala’s Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, welcomed the new Executive Director and offered words of advice. He urged her to take time to understand the dynamics and intricacies of KCCA operations, highlighting that a deep understanding of the institution’s mechanisms is key to achieving success.
“You will need to balance bold decision-making with listening to the voices of those who have been here before,” Mr. Lukwago noted.
Acknowledging the challenges of leading the technical wing of KCCA, Ms. Buzeki pointed out that tackling corruption and inefficiency would be a cornerstone of her administration.
Her emphasis on accountability aligns with public expectations for improved service delivery in a city that has long struggled with infrastructure deficits and governance issues.
Her appointment has been met with both optimism and scrutiny, with stakeholders expressing hope that her leadership will provide solutions to Kampala’s persistent challenges.
Ms. Buzeki’s swearing-in comes at a critical time for Kampala, as the city faces growing demands for modernization and efficient service delivery. With an ambitious roadmap, the new Executive Director’s tenure will likely be defined by her ability to implement reforms and rally the city’s workforce toward shared goals.
The people of Kampala will be watching closely as Ms. Buzeki begins her term, hoping her promises translate into tangible progress for the city. Only time will tell if her administration can unlock the potential she so passionately envisions.
