Why the KCCA Health & Environment Director’s Job Is in Jeopardy
Things are likely to turn south for Dr. Daniel Ayen Okello, a relative of minister Okello Oryem.
According to highly placed sources at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Dr. Okello’s re-appointment as the Director in charge of Public Health and Environment Directorate (PH&ED) at KCCA apparently hangs in balance.
Dr. Okello whose tenure is only one month to expire, is said to be apparently moving office to office with City hall and President’s office as he looks for recommendation to be reappointed.
Information from whispers have however told us that the former first son seems to be losing it. This source alleges that from a brief report, Dr. Okello, has been faulted in a lot of issues that concerns his docket of Public Health and Environment.
When asked to highlight these issues, we have been told that these issues are not one, two….but gross issues including; the mismanaged Kiteezi landfill, and according to this Dr. Okello is said to have until now failed to put in place a weigh bridge, garbage compacting is poorly done, has no personnel as in terms of service providers, non operational laboratory, no sewage treatment yet every year Sh3bn is budgeted for maintenance of this landfill.
Additionally, it’s at a risk of getting slides and residents are currently threatening to sue the authority.
The source further said that recommendations have also been hinged on the 13 acres of another garbage dumping site at Dundu in Mukono District which has remained redundant for over 6 years and apparently being invaded by encroachers.
Also, issues of garbage aside, it’s alleged that his directorate frustrates casual workers. And as the head, Okello is faulted for not approving requests for payments in time which has painted a bad image to the Authority.
It also said that the same person is not requesting for recruitment of staff under Public Health. Over 80% of staff in his directorate are temporary or casuals which has frustrated government programs like the recent Health campaigns.
More so, it is reported that Dr. Okello is personalising his office, with no delegation of authority, rendering the office as non operational when he travels.
These and among others have reportedly been put on table by the Authority’s technical wing to reconsider before his re-appointment.
Dr. Okello, whose tenure is expiring in July this year, was appointed in 2018 and his contract is renewed after every 3yrs. He was appointed as the acting director together with Ms. Grace Akullo the current director human resource.
These were recruited during time Betty Amongi, the current Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development was still the Minister for Kampala.
He replaced Samuel Serunkuuma and his appointment was seen as politically motivated to accommodate Ex-president Tito Okello’s family.
His directorate is pivotal in the daily running of the authority as it is mandated to facilitate and provide support in ensuring health and productivity of citizens for a clean, habitable and sustainable community of the city. This Directorate guides the Authority on the efficient management of public health and the environment
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Why the KCCA Health & Environment Director’s Job Is in Jeopardy
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum