Staff of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) came together at City Hall on December 19, 2024, for a vibrant end-of-year gathering that blended Christmas cheer with reflection on service delivery and the future of the city.
The celebration, hosted by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, was enriched by soulful performances from the KCCA Anglican Chaplaincy Choir, which treated guests to timeless carols including Joy to the World and Silent Night, alongside a moving original piece titled Dear Friends.
This year’s ceremony paid special tribute to the elderly, with Dr. Rev. Canon Rebecca Nyegenye, Provost of All Saints Cathedral, presiding as the main celebrant on behalf of the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, adding a spiritual and reflective tone to the occasion.
Addressing staff and invited guests, Lukwago used the platform to renew his call for increased funding to spur job creation and fast-track the development of modern markets, warning that inclusivity in Kampala’s growth would remain elusive without deliberate investment in trading infrastructure.
He openly condemned conflicts and illegal practices in some city markets, particularly Busega and Wandegeya, directing councilors and individuals who had unlawfully acquired stalls to vacate them and allow access for the urban poor.
The Lord Mayor also urged government to hasten the decommissioning of the Kiteezi landfill, ensure fair compensation for affected communities, and secure land for a new waste management facility, while applauding progress under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project despite ongoing challenges.
Acting Executive Director Frank Rusa echoed the spirit of unity, reminding staff that Christmas is rooted in love, togetherness, and service, and praising the growing collaboration between KCCA’s political and technical teams as a foundation for improved service delivery.
The evening’s highlights included the lighting of the Christmas tree by the Lord Mayor, the release of the Kampala City Annual Road Safety Report for 2022/2023, and a high-energy performance by the Da Nu Eagles Band, which closed the night with music, dance, and a shared sense of hope for a better Kampala.
