KAMPALA, Uganda | The Kasangati Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to three former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials: Dorothy Kisaka, David Luyimbazi, and Dr. Daniel Okello. Each was released on a cash bail of Shs5 million, with their sureties bonded at Shs100 million non-cash. The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Beatrice Kainza, also directed the surrender of their passports and required court permission for any international travel.

The charges against the trio stem from the August 10, 2024, collapse of the Kiteezi landfill, which resulted in 35 fatalities and multiple injuries. The prosecution alleges that between July 2020 and August 10, 2024, the accused neglected their duties by continuing operations at the Kiteezi landfill without the necessary permits and licenses. They are also accused of ignoring warnings about the landfill’s imminent dangers and failing to take remedial actions, such as decommissioning the site or evacuating nearby residents.

The Kiteezi landfill, located in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, has been Kampala’s primary waste disposal site since 1997, handling approximately 2,500 tonnes of waste daily. Its collapse highlighted significant vulnerabilities in the city’s waste management system, prompting the government to expedite plans for its decommissioning and to seek alternative waste disposal sites.

The next court hearing is scheduled for November 26, 2024, when court will continue to hear the serious allegations against the former KCCA officials.