Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Deputy Executive Director Dr Judith Tukahirwa shocked the nation last week when she handed in a resignation letter to President Museveni, decrying the political and security interference in KCCA work.
“Political expediency from certain quarters has taken over strategic planning and this has been tormented by persons within the security circles,” said Tukahirwa in her letter to the president.
“It’s disconcerting for any KCCA administrator to deal with decisions made on the premise of rumours and conjecture,” she added.
Twahirwa, a distinguished solid waste management expert, further observed that the situation at KCCA has been “exacerbated by the failure of certain government agencies to assist the KCCA fulfill its potential on account of the “’politics of the day.”’
She went ahead to mourn that the better part of KCCA’s successes in the last four years had been eroded by political interference.
Inside story: What really happened?
President Museveni in April 2011 unveiled Jennifer Musisi as Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director.
Musisi’s rise to such a high profile and powerful position stunned many political observers.
The career lawyer had served with dignity and honour in several sensitive positions at Makerere University and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
But most importantly, Musisi did not belong to any of the many powerful centres of power that thrived on deals at City Hall.
The powerful officials included NRM politicians such as Francis Babu, Margaret Zziwa, and Godfrey Nyakaana.
Even security chiefs such as Gen David Sejusa quietly benefitted from the shadowy mafia syndicate at the then KCC.
Despite the capital city being in the hands of opposition, NRM and Museveni have exhibited desperation to capture it.
“There is no serious politics in Kampala. It’s all about eating. Alliances are shaped by financial interests,” said a senior official who served in KCCA for a long time.
Museveni has always won national elections without Kampala. However, he needs to enjoy considerable support in Kampala as it’s the capital city.
Opposition especially Democratic Party had turned it into their base because of resources it controls.
Enter Musisi
When Musisi arrived at City Hall with the full backing and ear of the president, NRM politicians running clandestine alliances with opposition Mayors were shaken.
While opposition controlled markets, Utoda had Godfathers in NRM such as Kahinda Otafiire and Moses Kigongo – all motivated by commercial interests.
Musisi was non-aligned to any of those political camps.
She chased away Utoda; Sejusa was kicked out of KCCA’s house in Kololo after stuff resistance from the then coordinator of intelligence organs.
Erias Lukwago who attempted to fight Musisi had himself impeached by councillors.
Informed sources say Lukwago wanted to take over the running of public transport through Utoda’s rival, Mustapha Mayambala.
Musisi’s empowered and resilient technical team dismantled all these centres of power irrespective of their godfather.
But this would come at a huge cost, with the aggrieved forces putting up stiff resistance.
To facilitate Musisi’s works, Museveni appointed Frank Tumwebaze as Kampala Affairs Minister.
Tumwebaze came in at a time when Musisi was facing stiff resistance and hostility from opposition. The NRM officials benefitting from the old KCC clandestinely ignited the fire.
The peak of this political battle occurred when Musisi clashed bitterly with the powerful Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde over plans to demolish structures at Centenary Park.
“Musisi was about to resign because she was being hit by opposition and government officials. Tumwebaze found her on the verge of resignation,” recounted a source.
Tumwebaze supported Musisi fight off enemies hence allowing the technical committee to concentrate on building systems to plug loopholes exploited by the corrupt mafia in Kampala.
It’s understood even police chiefs didn’t support Musisi.
Realising their eating avenues were blocked, the mafia tried to manipulate President Museveni to get rid of Musisi.
The opportunity availed itself in the 2016 presidential elections whereby, despite government making infrastructural investments worth billions of shillings, Museveni lost Kampala.
According to intelligence, NRM officials who were tasked and well facilitated to mobilise support in Kampala such as Molly Kamukama, Kittata and Babu – quickly told Museveni in the wake of the 2016 polls that Musisi’s highhandedness caused him a loss in the city.
Yet, there was no serious mobilisation in Kampala, a senior NRM official told ChimpReports.
“You can’t spray teargas on Besigye a few hours to the election and win in Kampala. You make more sympathy votes for him.”
Following intense lobbying, Museveni made a huge political mistake by denouncing Musisi for doing a good job using wrong methods.
A source said this helped several NRM mobilisers cover up their failure to use resources handed to them for mobilisation.
However, Museveni’s comments were costly as vendors returned to the streets, causing more congestion.
The KCCA technical leaders including Tukahirwa lost morale as their progress was being undermined by politicians’ interests.
Enter Kamya
Beti Kamya came on board as Kampala Affairs Minister – armed with a political and commercial agenda.
“Kamya made a political deal with Museveni to politically conquer Kampala for him. However, she could not support most of the enforcement programmes as they would make her unpopular,” said a source.
“She had to support populist programmes.”
By not supporting the technical team, which is not in her interests, the likes of Tukahirwa felt Museveni was putting politics ahead of service delivery in Kampala.
“If she proves she can conquer Kampala, Museveni will release money for her work. Lukwago must also work to conquer Kampala for his own political interests. This has made work difficult for technical staff and most of them will have to quit,” said an insider who preferred anonymity so as to speak freely.
“Professionals lack a centre of gravity to steer work. Resignation is the beginning of the collapse of the system. More will go. Tukahirwa’s departure is the beginning of the impending exodus – and that’s what Lukwago wants.”
Sources further said Lukwago would prefer a technical team loyal to him to allow the full return of Kampala into the hands of the opposition.
“Even Musisi is likely to leave Kampala. She can’t stand drama all the time. At the end of the day Kampala will go back to filth. Museveni seems politically compromised. Technical people survive on growth of careers. They are very sensitive to things that threaten careers.”