How Frank Rusa is planning to revamp KCCA reputation

KCCA acting executive director FRANK RUSA has just about two months to prove himself that he is the right man for the job.

In an interview with Geofrey Serugo, he outlined several new initiatives he believes will improve staff morale, curb corruption and improve the general quality of life for city dwellers.

According to Rusa, the biggest priority currently is addressing the aftermath of the Kiteezi garbage slide. The tragic incident occurred on August 10, 2024, claiming 35 lives, with 10 individuals still missing. The garbage slide reportedly blocked drainage channels, submerging approximately 85 houses. The authority has established a 200-meter buffer zone around the site, affecting over 500 homes.

“We are valuing the damage and assessing lost properties, planning compensation for affected residents, and seeking alternative sites for the disposal of the 2,500 tonnes of garbage generated daily,” Rusa said. KCCA is also pursuing long-term solutions for a comprehensive solid waste management plan. This includes the establishment of a waste-to-energy plant, recycling initiatives for plastics, and the conversion of organic waste into manure.

GARBAGE RECYCLING PLANT

According to Rusa, the investors they have engaged indicated that establishing a functional waste-to-energy plant could take between 18 and 24 months.

“We must begin with short-term solutions, including alternative sanitary landfills that separate waste into recyclable and organic materials. Mixing garbage has caused significant issues. If we can separate waste at the source into recyclable and compostable organic materials, we can establish a proper sanitary landfill,” he noted.

In the intermediate and long terms, KCCA is working to lay the groundwork for modern waste-to-energy and recycling plants. The leadership will appropriately review various proposals solicited through an open tender process.

WEST AFRICAN INVESTOR

Earlier this month, state minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, decommissioned the Kiteezi landfill and handed it over to Dr Joseph Sian Agyepong, executive chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, for further management.

However, Rusa refuted claims that a contract was awarded to Agyepong. He explained that while Agyepong is involved in waste management in Ghana and 15 other African countries, he expressed interest in helping address Kampala’s challenges after learning about them. Drawing from his experiences in other countries, his proposals were compelling, prompting some political leaders to consider collaboration.

“As a technical office, we must guide the process because even if we identify a suitable waste management solution, it must adhere to the procedures outlined in the PPDA Act, whether it involves emergency or direct procurement,” he stated.

“We have submitted the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Attorney General’s review. Once that process is complete, if we decide to move forward with him, we will follow the regulations outlined in the PPDA Act before signing a contract. At this point, however, we have not signed any contract with him,” he added.

TRANSPORT SYSTEM

To decongest the city, Rusa stated that they are opening and paving routes that connect to major roads and signaling key junctions in Kampala.

“Public transport is a significant issue. We are in the process of finalizing designs for a Kampala bus transit system, which will include dedicated bus lanes in the middle of the road for rapid mass transport. The president has granted a concession to Metu Katabazi, the proprietor of Metu ZhongTong Bus Industries,” he explained.

The leadership is also exploring other alternatives, such as light rail transport, among various options to enhance Kampala’s transport system.

“There are many potential solutions, but the first step is to develop a solid plan. It all begins with the designs, which will be ready in six months. Following that, we will conduct a feasibility study, at which point we’ll determine the financial investments required and whether we have the necessary funds or need to seek partners,” Rusa noted.

“We must find ways to improve public transport. The time lost in traffic jams affects the productivity of our citizens, who contribute to our tax revenue. We need to ensure that people can get to work on time and return home efficiently. The time spent in traffic, waiting for repairs, and dealing with congestion is simply not sustainable,” he emphasized.

BODA BODA INDUSTRY

He pointed out that the boda-boda sector is one of the major challenges in the city, attributing it to the KCCA’s delay in passing the public transport ordinance.

“The moment that ordinance is passed, our role will be to implement it. This means regulating boda boda operations within designated stages, establishing a fixed number of boda bodas at each gazetted stage, and ensuring compliance,” he explained.

“We have not been very strong in law enforcement due to a lack of personnel. Kampala has only 200 law enforcement officers, and we sometimes rely on the Kampala Metropolitan Police to enforce laws for a population of 2.5 million that operates in this city during the day.”

Improving the city will require collaboration beyond just KCCA and the residents of Kampala; people desire order. Through community engagement, sensitization, and mass mobilization, we can encourage citizens to embrace the positive changes we aim to implement for a better city.

He acknowledged the criminal activity associated with the boda-boda industry, noting that some individuals use boda bodas to commit crimes. Managing this issue will require interagency cooperation. We are working closely with the ministry of Works, the police, and other security agencies to share information.

“We have installed street cameras and provided body-worn cameras for our law enforcement officers. Timely information sharing should help address these issues. The minister of Works is also introducing digital number plates, which will enhance our efforts, along with collaborating with a network of informants to improve security.”

The insecurity in the boda boda industry cannot be tackled by KCCA alone; it requires collaboration among the police and the ministry of Works.

“I am a member of the Kampala Regional Security Committee and have participated regularly, even before, in my role as director of Legal Affairs, representing the authority in that forum,” he added.

MARKETS IN THE CITY

“I intend to address the issues surrounding markets. Many of our people rely on public markets, which are often congested and face numerous management challenges. Fortunately, the Markets Act has been passed, providing a solid framework for the operation of public markets,” he stated.

He emphasized that it is now up to them to implement the aspirations outlined in the Markets Act and the various presidential directives they have received regarding market reorganization.

“This is a complex issue with significant political sensitivities, but I am committed to streamlining the process,” he added.

PATCHING POTHOLES

To improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion, ensuring smoother journeys for all road users, he noted that KCCA targets to patch potholes in the city in a phased manner.

“We will focus on eliminating potholes, particularly in Kampala Central Division and on key roads leading into the city, such as Bombo road, Spring road, Jinja Road, Katwe and Entebbe roads, Lubaga and Namirembe roads, among others,” he said.

HEALTH SERVICES AT KCCA HOSPITALS

Rusa said the authority is facing a couple of challenges and problems, including limited budgets which lead to low availability of drugs and corruption.

“We are prioritizing drugs required for the common diseases that affect us. We know what the common ailments have been, but we are also trying to emphasise the prevention of illness instead of dealing with healing. So, prevention calls for more education through public health programs and sensitisations on the various radios and through our network of leaders in the city,” he added.

He said corruption is a big problem, not just in public health but in physical planning, revenue collection and law enforcement.

“I have made it clear to the staff, and I will make it clear again that in my time in office, we are going to have zero tolerance to corruption.”

In that regard, Rusa has set up a criminal investigations unit within KCCA, led by an assistant commissioner of police.

“With the unit in-house and collaborations with the offices of the IGG and offices of the State House Anti- Corruption Unit, we believe that we will have to take serious action to deter other people because the cancer of corruption is capable of destroying any organisation.”

“We are not denying that we have had many cases. I have had to reconstitute the rewards and sanctions committee to ensure that the reports that come out of our CID unit are immediately either taken to court for those who have committed clear-cut crimes or for those who require administrative action to be taken to rewards and sanctions and quick decisions are taken. I believe when people see certain consequences, impunity will be curtailed, and hopefully we can get people to focus on what they are supposed to do.” he said.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

He added: “There have been numerous complaints about highhandedness, gross violations of human rights, and the mishandling of individuals. We are here to serve the population, and it’s essential that the community views us as partners in development.

“As we enforce the laws, it is crucial that we do so in a manner that respects the human rights of our citizens. We can be firm while also aligning with the aspirations of both our government and the people.

“The central government oversees KCCA. There is a manifesto and a plan of action that the NRM government is implementing for Kampala, along with a strategic plan adopted by the city. Our role as an implementing agency is to ensure that we realize the aspirations of these progressive programs put forth by the central government and the political leaders who design policies for the city.”