By Aggrey Baba
[When the head of a fish rots, the whole body follows suit], and now, Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, is in a state of disarray, not because of a lack of resources, but due to alleged failed leadership that prioritizes personal gain over public service.
Suzan Kushaba, the former Owino Market chairperson and Kampala Central MP hopeful, has sounded the alarm on what she calls a “total failure” in managing the affairs of the city.
Speaking out against the leadership at the helm of Kampala’s affairs, Kushaba accused the Minister responsible for turning city governance into a money-making scheme at the expense of development. “Kampala is supposed to be a beacon of growth, order, and opportunity. Instead, it has been turned into a playground for the corrupt,” she remarked.
According to Kushaba, the individual entrusted with overseeing Kampala lacks both the knowledge and the vision to manage a fast-growing city. She questioned how a nurse from the 1980s, whose original training required nothing more than Senior Two education, was expected to steer Kampala toward progress.
“In the past, we had ministers who, at least, understood policy and governance. Today, we have leaders who cannot even chair productive meetings. Decisions affecting millions are made anyhowly, and investors are losing confidence,” the former vender stated.
Kushaba painted a grim picture of a city choking under the weight of traffic congestion, environmental destruction, and illegal developments. She warned that if nothing is done, Kampala could become an unlivable city where disorder reigns supreme.
Beyond incompetence, Kushaba accused the Minister of engaging in illegal dealings, including human trafficking. “Our leaders are supposed to be building international partnerships, but instead, they are facilitating fraudulent visa applications. Because of their actions, Ugandans are now facing stricter travel restrictions abroad,” she said.
She cited a recent case involving a close associate of the Minister who was arrested in South Korea for trafficking people using forged documents. “The scandal is so deep that the Minister herself is reportedly banned from traveling to countries like Canada and South Korea,” Kushaba revealed.
Kushaba did not hold back on accusations of bribery in city planning and development approvals. “For every business license, for every building permit, and for every prime piece of land, there is a price. Instead of enforcing regulations, the Minister is pocketing money while illegal structures spring up all over the city.”
She pointed to the growing number of unapproved petrol stations and nightclubs in residential areas, warning of potential disasters. “What will happen when a fire breaks out in one of these illegal petrol stations? Innocent people will die because greedy leaders chose bribes over safety,” she said.
With Kampala’s problems growing worse by the day, Kushaba urged residents and policymakers to demand accountability. “If we allow this corruption and incompetence to continue, we are signing the death certificate of our own city,” she warned.
As the race for Kampala Central [2026] heats up, Kushaba has positioned herself as a leader ready to challenge the status quo. “Kampala needs leaders who put the people first, not their pockets,” she emphasized. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
