CHRISTMAS CAROLS, REFLECTION MARK KCCA END-OF-YEAR GATHERING

Songs of Christmas, city pride and a shared sense of mission filled City Hall on Thursday night as Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) staff gathered for a Christmas Carol and End-of-Year celebration.

Held on Dec. 19, the gathering brought together political leaders, technocrats and staff from the authority under the theme “Towards Inclusive Progress,” setting a tone that balanced celebration with accountability for the work of running a fast-growing capital city.

Speaking at the event Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, thanked staff for keeping Kampala moving throughout the year and urged them to anchor their daily work in the KCCA Five-Year Strategic Plan, describing it as a compass, “a Bible,” he said to guide decision-making and service delivery.

“This city only works when its people work together,” Lukwago said, calling for discipline, focus and unity in implementing the authority’s plans.

The evening blended ceremony with culture. Choirs from Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal fellowships filled City Hall with familiar Christmas melodies, dressed in coordinated black, gold and white.

Their harmonies softened the formal setting, turning the seat of city administration into a space of warmth and shared celebration.

At exactly 8:15 p.m., cheers and ululations rose as Lukwago and KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki jointly lit the Christmas tree, its glow symbolically closing the year while pointing toward a new one.

Buzeki used her address to spotlight staff dedication and the tangible results delivered in 2025.

“Thank you for showing up every day, through the rain, the heat and the challenges, with one commitment: keeping Kampala moving,” Buzeki said. “What we are here for is service delivery and client satisfaction.”

She described KCCA staff as the engine of the city, from planners and engineers to cleaners and administrators, stressing that progress is never the work of one individual but the product of collective effort and persistence.

Among the year’s highlights, Buzeki said KCCA expanded road works from 600 kilometers to 670 kilometers, strengthened drainage infrastructure and recorded three consecutive days of rainfall without flooding, a notable milestone for a city long affected by stormwater challenges.

She also pointed to gains in education and health services, alongside improved solid waste management.

According to KCCA, waste collection coverage increased from 53% to 63% following the acquisition of new land in Buyala and intensified community sensitization.

“We have not walked alone,” Buzeki said, acknowledging strong support from the political leadership. “What the people of Kampala want is simple service delivery.”

She noted that similar end-of-year engagements were being held across city divisions under KCCA’s devolution framework, maintaining the same standards and spirit while bringing leadership closer to communities.

Looking ahead, Buzeki promised renewed energy in the coming year, pledging to deliver a smarter, cleaner city and ensure residents see value for the taxes they pay.

“We must do things differently next year,” she said, while also urging staff to balance duty with time for their families during the festive season.

The main celebrant, Msgr. Lawrence Ssemusu, challenged staff to lead and serve guided by strong values, emphasizing integrity, compassion and responsibility in public service.

The Deputy Executive Director praised the team spirit at KCCA, noting that despite both him and the Executive Director joining the authority during the year, integration had been seamless.

“It has not been difficult to gel with you,” she said. “You have been a very good team. 2025 will be a year to remember.”

Director of Administration and Human Resource Grace Akullo and other senior officials attended the event.

The evening ended on a warm, human note a shared dinner, music, spontaneous conversations and laughter as staff closed the year not just as colleagues, but as one city family, united by service and a shared vision for Kampala’s future.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer