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Kampala Lord Mayor Zahara Luyirika Balimwezo has urged National Unity Platform (NUP) councillors at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to avoid making what he described as reckless criticism against KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki and other members of the technical team.
Balimwezo reportedly made the remarks during a meeting with the 18 NUP lord councillors caucus at KCCA, where he called for discipline and cooperation between elected leaders and the city administration.
The Lord Mayor told the councillors that NUP must demonstrate a different style of leadership by focusing on service delivery rather than constant political disagreements.
According to Balimwezo, Kampala’s challenges cannot be solved through public confrontations and political fights but through cooperation between political leaders and technical officials.
He reportedly reminded the councillors that they were elected to help transform the city and deliver on the promises made to voters.
Balimwezo said working together with KCCA’s technical leadership, including Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, would be important in achieving improvements in Kampala.
He warned the councillors against making statements without proper research, saying such actions could undermine the credibility of the party and the authority.
The Lord Mayor reportedly emphasized that NUP should prove its critics wrong by showing that it is a disciplined political organisation committed to responsible leadership.
He also contrasted his approach with that of former Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who often clashed with appointed officials at KCCA over issues concerning the management of the city.
Balimwezo said Kampala leadership should not be based on constant disagreements but on finding practical solutions to problems affecting residents.
The directive has reportedly caused mixed reactions among some NUP councillors, with some expressing concern that avoiding criticism of government-appointed officials could affect their relationship with voters.
Some councillors reportedly fear that being seen as too friendly with the technical wing could make them unpopular among supporters who expect them to challenge decisions they disagree with.
However, supporters of Balimwezo’s approach argue that cooperation between elected leaders and technical officials is necessary for effective service delivery.
The discussion comes at a time when KCCA continues to face several challenges, including infrastructure concerns, waste management issues and urban planning problems.
Balimwezo has maintained that the focus should be on improving Kampala rather than engaging in political battles that do not directly benefit city residents.
Meanwhile, disagreements have also emerged between NRM councillors at KCCA and the Lord Mayor over the selection of KCCA representatives to boards of universities and other government institutions.
The NRM councillors have reportedly questioned the process used to select representatives, arguing that the appointments should follow legal procedures.
They have written to the Attorney General seeking guidance on whether the Lord Mayor has the authority to appoint councillors to represent KCCA on various boards.
The developments highlight ongoing political tensions within KCCA as leaders from different parties negotiate their roles and responsibilities in managing the capital city.
As Kampala’s leadership continues to navigate these challenges, attention remains on whether Balimwezo’s call for cooperation will strengthen service delivery or create disagreements among elected leaders.
