KCCA’s Vision for Greater Kampala: Insights from Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki

World Business Journal talks to Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, Executive Director of KCCA, about transforming urban infrastructure in Greater Kampala under the GKMA-UDP program, including steps taken to improve waste management while prioritising community engagement to ensure that development projects meet residents’ needs.

What are the recent advancements in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program?

(GKMA-UDP) is a $566M World Bank initiative focused on transforming urban infrastructure in Greater Kampala. 

Key objectives include enhancing mobility through road upgrades, improving drainage for urban resilience, creating jobs with modern workspaces, and strengthening institutional planning and investment capacity.

The program targets the upgrade of 43 roads over 74.5 km in phases. Phase I has started, and contracts have been awarded for 12 roads, totalling 19.85 km, ensuring that all right-of-way issues were addressed before contracting to avoid delays. Timely completion is crucial, as delivery is tied to funding under a results-based finance model.

Flooding is a persistent challenge; thus, a key project is completing the Lubigi Drainage Channel to manage stormwater and reduce flooding. Work is ongoing on critical drainage improvements along the Nakamiro Channel. Urban forestry initiatives will enhance green cover, improve water retention, and mitigate heat effects.

Job creation is another focus of GKMA-UDP, with plans to construct new markets and upgrade existing ones, providing modern workspaces for up to 20,000 individuals.

How is KCCA addressing waste management challenges following the Kiteezi incident?

In response to the Kiteezi incident, we have taken several measures to improve waste management. We have identified interim dumping sites, such as Katikolo in Mukono District and Nkumba, to manage the daily 2,500 tonnes of waste while we develop long-term solutions.

We secured 230 acres in Buyala, Mpigi District, for a new waste management facility that will use advanced treatment and recycling technologies.

A mandatory waste sorting system has been introduced across all sources—households, businesses, and schools—to promote recycling and reduce waste volume.

Community sensitisation efforts are underway to educate the public on waste management practices, and our teams conduct weekly clean-ups. The government has committed to decommissioning the Kiteezi landfill to prevent further environmental and health hazards. We are establishing a 200-meter buffer zone and flattening the garbage hill to stabilise the area during the phase-out of operations. 

What are your key priorities for your first year in office?

My top priority is to address urgent challenges in Kampala and improve residents’ quality of life. I aim to support street children by establishing transition centres and providing skilled training in farming and tailoring. I will create designated workspaces for informal businesses to reduce street chaos and empower local entrepreneurs.

My vision is to transform Kampala into a clean, vibrant city by enhancing hygiene and beautifying public spaces, fostering shared community responsibility.