Luyimbazi set to change face of Kampala

However, for his recent nomination of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) leadership, the President emphasised integrity as one of the reasons he nominated Dorothy Kisaka and Eng. David Ssali Luyimbazi to serve as KCCA executive director and deputy executive director, respectively.

Kisaka and Luyimbazi were interviewed by the Public Service Commission and confirmed in their new positions.

Eng. Ssebbugga Kimeze, the former acting Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), says Luyimbazi is a good choice for the city, which is trying to upgrade to a global status.

Kimeze says apart from being a hard-working person, Luyimbazi is passionate about the transformation of cities through modern infrastructural engineering.

Former works minister Abraham Byandala, says a combination of David Luyimbazi and Eng. Andrew Kitaka who has been the acting director, will give the much needed technical expertise at KCCA to change the city's face to desirable levels.

Byandala adds that Luyimbazi is hardworking and among the best young engineers in the country.

However, Byandala says Luyimbazi may face challenges at KCCA, emanating from the usual politics that tends to frustrate development projects.

This concern is shared by the former permanent secretary in the ministry of works, Eng. Charles Muganzi who says Luyimbazi should be ready to face resistance from some political sections at City Hall.

"Luyimbazi does not entertain incompetence and politicking. His professional values will definitely see him on a collision course with some people," Muganzi said.

He adds that Luyimbazi is like his father when it comes to keeping professional values.

"I worked with his father, Ssali Lule at Kilembe Mines in Kasese. He was a hardworking man with a high sense of integrity. I think he passed on these values to Luyimbazi who studied engineering and later proved a hardworking young man at UNRA and at ministry of works.

Kampala should expect results from Luyimbazi," Muganzi said.

Luyimbazi carries a wealth of experience as a former director of planning at UNRA, where he worked fours year ago.

 Eng. John Nasasira, the former Minister of Works and Transport, says Luyimbazi is one of the most resourceful and creative individuals in the engineering industry.

 "Though I was a minister and he was a junior, it was a wonderful experience working with Luyimbazi. He is a tough boss, especially when you do not do your work right," Nasasira said.

Ronald Ndawula, the LC5 chairperson for Luwero district who studied with Luyimbazi, describes him as a performer.

"If politicians do not interfere with his services, I am sure he will change the city," Ndawula said.

Buliisa County MP Stephen Mukitale, a close friend of Luyimbazi, said he exudes a composed and calm persona but is strict in his work methods.

"As director of planning at UNRA, he excelled; many projects were done during his time. Now that he has been appointed in that capacity, he should deliver because he has the capacity to do so," Mukitale notes.

He said integrity of the leadership at the helm is key if the city is to develop.

"His integrity is not questionable, even in the Katosi road construction saga he was cleared of the allegations by the Inspector General of Government (IGG)," Mukitale says. Luyimbazi's name was cited in the Katosi road construction saga in which he was accused of mismanagement of funds. However, the IGG investigated the case and concluded that Luyimbazi had no involvement.

In a letter dated January 10, 2019, the IGG, exonerated Luyimbazi of any wrongdoing in the sh24b saga which saw some people prosecuted while others lost their jobs.

The IGG wrote: "This is to inform you that the Inspectorate of Government did not find you culpable in the mismanagement of the procurement of a contractor in the construction of the Mukono-Katosi Kisoga/Nyenga Road and, therefore, this letter serves to clear you of any allegations made against you with regard to that procurement."

When contacted over his nomination, the 48-year-old engineer said he would be more than honored to serve his country.

"Being requested by the President to serve my country is a big opportunity. I am ready to serve my country. I appreciate the President's trust in my capacity and for giving me such a chance. What I pray for is teamwork, such that we make Kampala a model city," Luyimbazi said.

PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY LUYIMBAZI

When the cable-stayed Source of the Nile Bridge in Jinja was launched, it left Ugandans feeling exceptionally proud due to its beauty and architectural marvel.

The historic marvel was an effort coordinated by Luyimbazi from 2012 up to October 17, 2018, when President Yoweri Museveni officially launched it.

Luyimbazi is also the brains behind the Entebbe expressway, something he reluctantly acknowledges but attributes the success to teamwork.

He recalls that funding of the expressway was delayed and almost thrown out by Parliament until he brought MPs to reality.

"Parliament was reluctant to approve the project yet the longer it took, the higher the cost would be in compensation and works.

"I had to practically take the visual dummy I had done to Parliament and when the MPs saw how it would help motorists, they quickly approved it," Luyimbazi says

WHO IS LUYIMBAZI?

Eng. David Ssali Luyimbazi was born in Busula village in Luwero district to Ssali Lule and Elizabeth Nalunkuuma (RIP) at Makerere, Kavule.

- After sitting his Primary Leaving Examinations, he joined Makerere College School for his O'level and A' level, before joining Makerere University for a degree in civil engineering.

-He holds a master of science in major programme management from the University of Oxford and a masters in highway management and engineering from the University of Birmingham.

- Luyimbazi has also attended specialized training courses within and outside the country.

-He is married, with children.