The Public Service Commission (PSC) has released a surprising shortlist of 12 candidates for the position of Executive Director at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), with some of the country’s most anticipated candidates notably absent.
The vacancy emerged after President Yoweri Museveni dismissed former director Dorothy Kisaka following the tragic Kiteezi landfill incident that claimed 32 lives. The new shortlist excludes prominent figures previously rumored to be contenders, including corporate lawyer Robert Kabushenga, former NSSF Managing Director Richard Byarugaba, and acting KCCA Executive Director Frank Rusa.
A leaked list on social media, featuring high-profile names, had generated widespread speculation about potential appointees. However, the finalized list has defied expectations by featuring lesser-known candidates, many with extensive public service and administrative experience.
Among the leading candidates is Sydney Asubo, a seasoned anti-financial crime expert and advocate of good governance, who previously served as Executive Director of the Financial Intelligence Authority. Asubo’s career also includes advisory roles with the Uganda Anti-Money Laundering National Task Force and Grundstein Consult Ltd, where he currently works as general counsel.
Another notable contender is Gabriel Richard Atama, an experienced public administrator who has served as Chief Administrative Officer for Tororo, Serere, and Kalangala districts.
The sole woman shortlisted, Sharifah Buzeki, brings expertise in human resources as the Commissioner for Human Resource Management in the Ministry of Public Service’s Inspection Department.
Kabushenga, who previously helmed New Vision and was rumored to be a frontrunner, revealed on Wednesday that his application was deemed ineligible due to his lack of a master’s degree. “I did not meet the minimum requirements,” Kabushenga confirmed, sharing a screenshot of the PSC’s rejection email. Rusa, who had been serving in an acting capacity, was also absent from the final list, further narrowing the field to candidates outside the initial public expectations.
In addition to Asubo, Atama, and Buzeki, the PSC’s list includes Godfrey Kaima, Benon Kigenyi, Swizin Mugyema, Godfrey Kisekka, Rogers Matte, Emmy Ejuku, Grandfield Omonda, Ronald Kiberu, and Joses Kachetero. These candidates will undergo a series of competency exams in the coming weeks, with details on examination dates and venues to be provided by the PSC.
The PSC has also released a shortlist of 19 candidates for the Deputy Executive Director role, formerly held by Eng. David Luyimbazi, who was also removed following the Kiteezi incident. This comprehensive overhaul in KCCA’s leadership marks a critical period for the organization as it seeks to restore public trust and strengthen urban management in Uganda’s capital.
The final appointment of the Executive Director is highly anticipated, as the new leader will face significant expectations to address pressing challenges in the city’s infrastructure and service delivery systems.
