&w=64&q=75)
The charges were read out in court on Friday, October 18, 2024, and allege that the three former KCCA officials failed to take crucial actions to prevent the tragedy.
According to the charge sheet, they stand accused of manslaughter under Section 171 of the Penal Code Act.
The court document outlines that between July 2020 and August 2024, the officials neglected their duties related to the Kiteezi landfill's management, leading to the deadly collapse on August 10, 2024.
The prosecution argued that the accused failed to obtain relevant permits and licences for the landfill's continued operation and neglected to close or decommission the site despite warnings of imminent danger.
Additionally, they are accused of failing to evacuate nearby residents, which ultimately resulted in the death of 35 people when a large mass of garbage collapsed, burying nearby homes.
The charges come just hours after the three former officials were taken into custody following a police investigation.
On Thursday, October 16, 2024, Dorothy Kisaka, along with her former deputy David Luyimbazi and former Director of Public Health Dr Daniel Okello, were summoned to the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) headquarters for questioning.
After hours of interrogation, the three were detained on accusations of criminal negligence linked to the landfill disaster.
The trio spend last night in Police cells.
The incident at Kiteezi landfill, one of Kampala's largest waste disposal sites, sparked national outrage after the collapse caused the loss of lives and severe damage to property.
The landfill had long been a source of concern due to its unsafe conditions and proximity to residential areas. However, despite these concerns, the landfill remained operational, which ultimately led to the disaster.
According to police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the former KCCA officials' failure to address safety concerns and take corrective action directly contributed to the tragedy.
"Their failure to act, despite warnings, caused the deaths of 35 people. This is a clear case of negligence, and the court will now decide their fate," he said.
Kisaka, who was appointed KCCA Executive Director in July 2020, had a significant role in overseeing the city's operations, including waste management. Her tenure, along with that of Luyimbazi and Okello, is now under scrutiny, with this manslaughter case marking a significant chapter in their professional careers.
The trial is expected to proceed, with further hearings scheduled in the coming weeks. If found guilty, the former officials could face severe penalties, including imprisonment.