After spending nearly three weeks behind the walls of Luzira prison, the embattled former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) boss Dorothy Kisaka now breathes fresh air.
Kisaka was remanded together with former Deputy KCCA Executive Director, Eng. David Luyimbazi, and the former Director Public Health, Dr. Daniel Okello.
The three are facing a total of 57 charges including 35 counts of manslaughter and 22 of causing grievous harm following their alleged fatal failure to act and avert tragedy at the Kitezi Landfill, which led to the loss of 35 lives and several others injured.
The tragic incident happened on August 10, 2024. They were remanded on October 18, 2024, Kasangati Chief Magistrate Beatrice Khainza, following an inquiry by the Criminal Intelligence Directorate (CID).
The three arrived at the Kasangati Magistrate Court under tight security by prison and the police Counter-Terrorism officers.
They were each released on a cash bail of shs5,000,000/= and shs100 million non-cash, after the Kasangati Chief Magistrate Beatrice Khainza approved of their three sureties.
“I have addressed my mind to the law specifically Article 23 of the Constitution, the bail guidelines and section 77 of the Magistrate Court Act. I accordingly release each of the accused persons at sh5m cash and each of the sureties is bonded at sh100m, not cash,” she said.
The three were beaming with wide smiles after the ruling.
According to prosecution, between July 2020 and August 10, 2024, at various places within Kampala City and Kiteezi landfill, Lusanja village, Kiteezi ward, Kasangati town council in Wakiso district, the trio being persons bearing responsibility for the safe and proper management of Kiteezi landfill by a series of unlawful acts or omissions to wit continuing to operate Kiteezi landfill without the relevant permits and licences.
The court was full to capacity as relatives and friends of the three turned up to follow the proceedings.
The people were seen wearing t-shirts inscribed with “Justice for Mama Kisaka.” The outsider premises of court were filled with jubilations as Kisaka’s diehards celebrated her temporary release