KCCA CELEBRATES GET TOGETHER, CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN STYLE

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) staff gathered at City Hall on December 19 for a joyful end-of-year celebration filled with carols, reflections, and a renewed commitment to service delivery.

Organized by the Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago, the event featured the KCCA Anglican Chaplaincy Choir, which enthralled the audience with classics like Joy to the World, Silent Night, and a special composition titled Dear Friends.

This year’s ceremony was dedicated to the elderly, with Dr. Rev. Canon Rebecca Nyegenye, Provost of All Saints Cathedral, as the main celebrant representing the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.

The Lord Mayor used the occasion to emphasize the need for enhanced funding to support job creation and establishing more modern markets in Kampala.

“Without modern markets in a fast-growing city like Kampala, the element of inclusivity within our Mission and Vision will remain a mirage,” Lukwago said.

Highlighting the conflicts plaguing existing markets such as Busega and Wandegeya, Lukwago directed unscrupulous individuals, including some councilors who had illegally acquired stalls, to relinquish them to the urban poor.

“Let us fight to ensure that Busega market is for the poor. Any councilor occupying a stall must vacate it,” he declared.

He also called on the government to expedite the decommissioning of the Kiteezi landfill, compensate affected victims adequately, and secure land for a new waste management facility.

Lukwago lauded KCCA’s ongoing Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP), noting its progress despite some challenges.

“While not all works are mot up to the schedule, civil works are underway on most roads, with construction on Kiteezi-Buwambo set to commence by February 2025,” she remarked.

Acting Executive Director Frank Rusa delivered a heartfelt message, urging staff to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

“This season is about love and togetherness. Christ’s teachings on unity and brotherhood resonate strongly with our mission at KCCA,” Rusa said.

He praised the collaboration between the political and technical teams, which has led to notable progress in service delivery.

“Despite our sharp political divides, we have forged common ground on what matters most serving the people of Kampala. United, we can surmount our differences and build a better future for our city and country,” Rusa added.

Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Jane Asiimwe Muhindo cautioned city dwellers to remain vigilant during the festive season. She also commended the improved working relationship between KCCA’s technical and political teams, which she said is essential for delivering quality services to Kampala residents.

The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the Christmas tree by the Lord Mayor, a symbolic gesture that brought a sense of unity and festivity to the gathering.

Guests were then treated to a sumptuous dinner featuring an array of dishes and drinks.

The occasion also saw the release of the Kampala City Annual Road Safety Report for 2022/2023. The report highlighted the strides made in improving road safety, though challenges remain in ensuring pedestrian safety and reducing road fatalities.

The night rolled on with a vibrant musical performance from the Da Nu Eagles Band, whose lively tunes and energetic showmanship had the audience singing and dancing along.

The band’s performance added a joyful rhythm to the celebration, marking a perfect end to a memorable evening.