Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital, is a city governed by multiple leaders with overlapping responsibilities. Many residents and observers often wonder: Who actually heads Kampala?
The structure of power in the city includes the Lord Mayor, a Cabinet Minister, and an Executive Director, among other key figures.
Understanding their distinct roles and how they work together is essential to grasping how Kampala is run.
The Lord Mayor: The Political Leader
Erias Lukwago has served as the Lord Mayor of Kampala since 2011. His role is primarily political, as he is elected by the residents of Kampala to oversee the city’s governance.
The Lord Mayor chairs the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Council, which is responsible for making policy decisions that affect the city’s development and administration.
As a legal expert and political figure, Lukwago plays an advocacy role, often clashing with other government agencies over policy direction.
Related: Kampala’s Mayors Since Independence
The Cabinet Minister: The Government’s Representative
Hajjat Minsa Kabanda has served as the Cabinet Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority since August 3, 2021.
Her role extends beyond KCCA, as she also holds the position of Minister for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs.
Unlike the Lord Mayor, who is elected, the Cabinet Minister is appointed by the President.
This position ensures that Kampala’s policies align with the national government’s priorities. The Minister also has influence over budgetary allocations and policy implementation.
The KCCA Executive Director: The Administrative Head
Hajjat Buzeki Sharifah, who succeeded Dorothy Kisaka, serves as the Executive Director (ED) of KCCA. Unlike the Lord Mayor or the Cabinet Minister, the ED is a technocrat appointed by the President.
Her primary responsibility is to manage the day-to-day administration of Kampala, implementing policies set by both the KCCA Council and the central government.
She oversees service delivery, urban planning, infrastructure development, and key projects such as land acquisition for waste disposal.
Other Key Officials in KCCA
- Doreen Nyanjura: The Deputy Lord Mayor of Kampala since June 2021, assisting the Lord Mayor in policy implementation.
- Zahrah Maala Luyirika: Authority Council Speaker since June 2021, responsible for moderating council meetings and ensuring effective debate.
- Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye: Minister of State for Kampala Capital City Authority since August 3, 2021, assisting the Cabinet Minister in overseeing the city’s affairs.
How the Power Flows in Kampala
The leadership of Kampala is a mix of political and administrative authority.
- The Lord Mayor, as the elected leader, represents the will of the people but has limited executive power.
- The Cabinet Minister ensures the central government’s priorities are followed.
- The Executive Director runs the city’s day-to-day affairs. These three roles often have conflicts, as their mandates sometimes overlap.
Despite the different power structures, the city’s governance requires cooperation between these officials.
Ideally, policies formulated by the KCCA Council (led by the Lord Mayor) should be implemented efficiently by the Executive Director, with oversight and support from the Cabinet Minister.
However, political disagreements and bureaucratic hurdles often slow down decision-making and service delivery.
Who Truly Heads Kampala?
In practical terms, the Executive Director wields significant administrative power, while the Cabinet Minister ensures national government interests are prioritized.
However, as the elected voice of the people, the Lord Mayor is the city’s political leader. Kampala’s leadership is, therefore, a shared responsibility, with each role contributing to different aspects of governance.
Understanding this structure helps residents and stakeholders know who to hold accountable for various city issues, from policy failures to service delivery challenges.
While Kampala’s governance is complex, its efficiency depends on collaboration rather than competition among these leaders.
