President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Frank Nyakaana Rusa as the acting Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), effective immediately.
Rusa, who was previously KCCA’s legal director, steps into the role following the dismissal of Dorothy Kisaka, her deputy Eng. David Luyimbazi, and Dr. Daniel Okello, Director of Public Health, in the wake of the Kiteezi landfill tragedy, which claimed over 30 lives.
In a letter from the Presidency, Rusa has been directed to assume the responsibilities of Executive Director until a permanent office holder is appointed. His new role will require him to submit quarterly reports to the Head of Public Service, the Secretary to Cabinet, and the Minister responsible for KCCA, as he works to address the challenges facing the city.
Rusa’s appointment comes at a time when KCCA is grappling with significant public outcry following the tragic landfill incident that highlighted serious shortcomings in waste management and public safety in Kampala. His leadership will be crucial in restoring confidence in the city’s governance and in implementing reforms to prevent similar disasters.
With extensive experience in governance and public service, Rusa is seen as a strong candidate to navigate KCCA through this turbulent period. He previously served as the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), fostering political cooperation among Uganda’s parliamentary parties.
Rusa’s background also includes roles at the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), and the Uganda Electoral Commission, where he headed the Legal and Public Relations Department from 2003 to 2006.
In his new role, Rusa will be tasked with addressing the systemic issues that contributed to the Kiteezi landfill tragedy, particularly focusing on improving waste management, public health, and city infrastructure. His appointment signals the government’s intent to bring fresh leadership to KCCA, with hopes of making Kampala a safer and more efficiently managed capital.
Kampala’s residents and stakeholders will be closely watching Rusa’s next steps as he seeks to steer KCCA towards recovery and reforms, ensuring that the city’s administration can meet the challenges of rapid urbanization and public safety.
