By Mukembo Fred
The Chief Magistrate’s Court at Kasangati has granted bail to three former senior officials of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) facing 57 charges linked to the tragic Kiteezi landfill collapse that occurred on August 10, resulting in the deaths of over 34 individuals and leaving many injured and homeless.
The trio—former KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, her deputy Eng. David Luyimbazi, and Dr. Daniel Okello, the former director for public health—were released on a cash bail of five million shillings each, with their sureties bonded at 100 million shillings not in cash. The chief magistrate, Ms. Beatrice Khainza, expressed satisfaction with the sureties provided and set a court appearance date for November 26, 2024.
In her ruling, Khainza referenced Article 23 of the Constitution and the bail guidelines under the Magistrate Court Act, noting that the prosecution had not opposed the bail request. The court also required the accused to surrender their passports and prohibited any international travel without prior court approval.
The three defendants were previously remanded to Luzira Prison on October 18, 2024, facing multiple counts of manslaughter and negligence in connection with the landfill disaster. Prosecutors allege that during their tenure, the former KCCA officials acted negligently, leading to the catastrophic slide by continuing to operate the Kiteezi landfill without the necessary permits and failing to evacuate residents in the area deemed at risk.
The prosecution claims that their unlawful actions directly contributed to the disaster, which has prompted widespread concern and scrutiny over the management of the landfill and accountability among public officials.
As investigations are still ongoing, the court’s decision allows the accused temporary relief while the case continues to unfold. The tragic events of August 10 have raised critical questions about safety regulations and oversight in waste management within the city.
