Kampala’s Leadership Conundrum: Experienced Candidates with Questionable Records

Four seasoned professionals, Robert Kabushenga, Richard Byarugaba, David Kyewalabye Male, and Elioda Tumwesigye, have thrown their hats into the ring for the coveted position of Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). President Museveni’s September decision to sack the city’s top leadership has paved the way for a new leader to take the reins.

The Challenges Ahead

The next ED will face numerous landmines, including navigating the city’s complex politics, addressing widespread discontent, and tackling pressing issues like poor roads, garbage, and traffic congestion. The ED must also lobby for more resources to address these challenges, all while working closely with President Museveni.

Candidate Profiles

Robert Kabushenga

Robert Kabushenga is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, renowned for his eloquence and knowledge. His tenure as CEO of Vision Group, which spanned from January 2007 to January 2021, was marked by significant growth, including the launch of six radio stations and four television stations ¹. However, his leadership was also marred by controversy, particularly surrounding staff downsizing during the COVID-19 pandemic and a costly expansion drive ¹.

Despite these challenges, Kabushenga’s expertise and achievements are undeniable. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre ¹ ². His experience extends beyond media, having served as Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre and spokesperson for the government of Uganda ².

Since leaving Vision Group, Kabushenga has become a vocal advocate for good governance, leveraging his expertise to promote positive change ¹. His rating of 6/10 reflects the mixed assessments of his leadership, but his continued influence and commitment to governance suggest a promising future.

Key Strengths:

• Eloquence and Knowledge: Kabushenga’s exceptional communication skills and industry expertise make him a compelling leader.
• Strategic Growth: His tenure at Vision Group saw significant expansion and innovation.
• Governance Advocacy: Kabushenga’s post-Vision Group focus on good governance demonstrates his commitment to positive change.

Key Challenges:

Leadership Style: Critics argue that Kabushenga’s approach can be autocratic, hindering collaboration.

Controversy and Criticism: Staff downsizing and expansion drive controversies have tarnished his leadership record.

Richard Byarugaba

Richard Byarugaba is a seasoned executive with a storied career in Uganda’s financial sector. He’s held top roles at Nile Bank, Barclays Bank, and most notably, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), where he rose to prominence. During his tenure at NSSF, Byarugaba achieved impressive financial growth, increasing assets under management by 1000% and enabling savers to earn double-digit interest payments for the first time.

However, his leadership style was criticized for fostering a toxic work environment, marked by high staff turnover and even legal disputes with some employees. Those who worked with him describe Byarugaba as resistant to challenges to his decisions and feeling entitled to credit for NSSF’s success, which led to bitterness during his departure.

Despite this, Byarugaba’s strengths lie in his results-driven approach; when he sets a target, he’ll stop at nothing to achieve it. His major weakness, however, is struggling to collaborate with others, particularly those who disagree with him. This may lead to clashes with politicians and technocrats if he’s appointed to a new role. Interestingly, this assertive leadership style might be exactly what the president is looking for.

Key Takeaways:

– Financial Achievements: Improved NSSF’s financial position, increasing assets by 1000%

– Leadership Style: Criticized for toxic work environment and resistance to challenges

– Strengths: Results-driven approach

– Weaknesses: Struggles with collaboration, especially with those who disagree

David Kyewalabye Male

David Kyewalabye Male has a diverse experience profile that could make him a strong contender for the Executive Director position at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). He previously served as the CEO of Buganda Land Board, where he was replaced by Simon Kabogoza.

Under his leadership, Male demonstrated creativity and hard work, essential qualities for driving progress in Kampala.

As a successful businessman, Male founded Gombe Education Service and Gombe Medical Centre, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to drive growth. However, critics argue that power can sometimes go to his head, which could be a challenge in a high-stakes role like the KCCA Executive Director position.

Here are some key strengths to consider:

 Creativity: Male’s innovative approach could bring fresh solutions to Kampala’s challenges.

 Hard work: His drive and dedication could help tackle the city’s pressing issues.

Here are some key Weaknesses to consider:

Power dynamics: Critics worry that Male may struggle with humility and collaboration in a position of power.

Overall, Male’s experience and skills make him a viable candidate, but addressing concerns about his leadership style will be crucial to his success.

Elioda Tumwesigye

Elioda Tumwesigye’s impressive background as a renowned epidemiologist and former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation from 2016 to 2021 makes him a strong contender for the Executive Director position at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). His innovative and hardworking nature could bring significant benefits to the role.

However, concerns about his self-centeredness and lack of experience in public institutions may impact his suitability. Tumwesigye’s accomplishments as Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, such as establishing a research center in a rural area and promoting door-to-door HIV counseling and testing, demonstrate his capabilities.

Key Strengths:

– Innovative Approach: Tumwesigye’s experience in science, technology, and innovation could bring fresh solutions to Kampala’s challenges.

– Research Expertise: His background in epidemiology and research could inform data-driven decisions.

– Leadership Experience: As former Minister, he has experience guiding national policies and programs.

Key Concerns:

– Self-Centeredness: Critics argue that Tumwesigye’s self-centeredness may hinder collaboration.

– Lack of Public Institution Experience: His limited experience in public institutions may pose challenges in navigating KCCA’s complex bureaucracy.

Ultimately, whether Tumwesigye’s strengths outweigh his weaknesses remains to be seen. His success would depend on his ability to balance his innovative approach with effective collaboration and institutional knowledge