President Yoweri Museveni has named Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki as the new Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), making her the third woman to take on the role after Jennifer Musisi and Dorothy Kisaka.
Buzeki, who has served as the Commissioner of Human Resource Management at the Ministry of Public Service, steps into the high-profile position at a time of heightened expectations for transforming the capital city.
Her appointment, confirmed by Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda on Thursday, comes alongside that of Benon Kigenyi, the newly appointed Deputy Executive Director. Their names have been forwarded to the Public Service Commission for formalization.
“Kampala deserves visionary leadership, and Hajjat Buzeki’s extensive experience positions her to deliver impactful results,” said Kirunda in a statement.
A Historic Appointment
Buzeki’s appointment is significant, as she becomes the third woman to lead the KCCA, following Jennifer Musisi, the agency’s inaugural leader, and Dorothy Kisaka, her immediate predecessor. Her selection comes after an exhaustive search by the Public Service Commission, which shortlisted 14 candidates, including experts in finance, administration, and public service.
Buzeki emerged victorious over notable contenders such as Sydney Asubo, an anti-financial crime expert, and Gabriel Richard Atama, a former Chief Administrative Officer for Tororo District.
A Qualified Leader with a Clear Vision
Buzeki’s credentials are impressive. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, all from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
She has also undergone training in conflict management, leadership, monitoring and evaluation, and change management, equipping her with the skills to address Kampala’s multifaceted challenges.
“I am humbled by this opportunity to serve Kampala and its people. My focus will be on improving service delivery, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable city for all,” Buzeki said in her first public statement.
Challenges Ahead
Buzeki assumes office following the controversial sacking of Dorothy Kisaka and Deputy Executive Director David Luyimbazi, linked to negligence in managing the Kiteezi landfill, whose collapse in August 2024 claimed over 30 lives. The tragedy exposed critical gaps in KCCA’s waste management and planning systems, leaving a cloud of public dissatisfaction.
“KCCA must regain the trust of the people,” said urban governance analyst Andrew Mukasa. “Buzeki will need to prioritize transparency and stakeholder engagement to rebuild confidence.”
A Strategic Team at the Helm
President Museveni’s decision to appoint Kigenyi as Buzeki’s deputy signals a strategic approach to revitalizing KCCA. With years of experience in public administration, Kigenyi is expected to complement Buzeki’s leadership in tackling key issues, including traffic congestion, waste management, and urban infrastructure development.
Looking Ahead
As Buzeki prepares to assume her new role, all eyes are on her leadership approach and how she will address the challenges facing Kampala.
Her appointment has been met with cautious optimism, with many hoping her administration will usher in a new era of accountability and progress for Uganda’s capital.
