The Public Service Commission (PSC) has excluded high-profile applicants from the shortlist for the executive director position at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

The vacancy emerged following the dismissal of Dorothy Kisaka by President Museveni over alleged negligence connected to the Kiteezi landfill disaster, which claimed 32 lives.

Following Museveni’s directive, the PSC was tasked with identifying qualified candidates for the role.

However, the final shortlist, released on Wednesday, surprised many by omitting well-known names, including corporate lawyer Robert Kabushenga, former NSSF managing director Richard Byarugaba, and acting KCCA executive director Frank Rusa.

Kabushenga confirmed that he was disqualified due to not meeting the minimum educational requirement of a master’s degree, with a PSC email stating that his application “does not meet the minimum requirements.” Rusa, appointed recently as acting executive director, was also absent from the list, raising questions about the PSC’s selection criteria.

Instead, the final list features lesser-known candidates, topping with Sydney Asubo, a seasoned expert in anti-financial crime and governance who previously led the Financial Intelligence Authority.

Currently, Asubo serves as general counsel for Grundstein Consult Ltd and has advised the Uganda Anti-Money Laundering National Task Force.

Other notable candidates include Gabriel Richard Atama, a former Chief Administrative Officer for Tororo District, and Sharifah Buzeki, the sole female candidate on the list, who is currently a commissioner in the Ministry of Public Service’s Inspection Department.

Additional names on the shortlist include Godfrey Kaima, Benon Kigenyi, Swizin Mugyema, Godfrey Kisekka, Rogers Matte, Emmy Ejuku, Grandfield Omonda, Ronald Kiberu, and Joses Kachetero. These candidates will proceed to competency exams, with details on dates and locations to be announced by the PSC.

The PSC has also revealed a shortlist of 19 candidates for the deputy executive director role, which became vacant after Eng. David Luyimbazi, along with Kisaka and Dr. Dennis Okello, KCCA’s former director of Public Health, were removed from office due to the Kiteezi incident.

The three were recently granted bail after being charged with negligence related to the landfill disaster.

The selection process continues amid high public interest, with the PSC’s latest shortlist sparking mixed reactions about the future leadership of the KCCA.