Zahara Luyirika, the current Speaker of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), is facing a storm of controversy that threatens to derail her political ambitions.
Accusations of rampant nepotism and a blatant disregard for transparency and accountability are swirling around her, casting a long shadow over her potential bid for the Makindye West parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Luyirika’s office has become a veritable family affair, critics allege. Her driver, Ronnie, is said to be a close confidante, while her Personal Assistant, Aksam Ssemakula, is reportedly married to her younger sister. The replacement of Sauda Madada as office administrator with yet another relative is seen as further evidence of Luyirika’s nepotistic tendencies. But the allegations don’t stop there.
A bombshell whistleblower report submitted to the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has brought to light a shocking episode of alleged corruption. The report claims that Luyirika orchestrated the sale of three used KCCA vehicles to one of her associates for a paltry 8 million Ugandan Shillings – a price so ridiculously low that it reeks of foul play.
The brazenness of the alleged scheme is staggering. The whistleblower claims that these vehicles were then secretly transported to a garage in Lusaka village, Makindye I parish, where they were meticulously refurbished and repainted. Video and photographic evidence purportedly documenting this clandestine operation has been submitted to the IGG.
This isn’t the first time Luyirika has been accused of shady dealings. The whistleblower draws a chilling parallel to the infamous case of former Kampala mayor Nasser Sebaggala, who faced similar accusations of corruption and abuse of office. The current allegations, if proven, could easily eclipse Sebaggala’s misdeeds, as they demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and a shocking contempt for public trust.
The sale of the KCCA vehicles, the whistleblower alleges, was conducted in utter secrecy, in flagrant violation of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act. This law mandates transparent and open bidding processes for the sale of public assets, ensuring fairness and preventing sweetheart deals.
Luyirika’s alleged actions, if true, represent a brazen assault on these fundamental principles of good governance.
The allegations don’t end there. The whistleblower also implicates Luyirika in another questionable deal. A tender to grade land belonging to the KCCA staff SACCO was allegedly awarded to one of her close associates, raising further suspicions of favoritism and abuse of power.
These damning allegations have sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Makindye West.
The accusations of corruption and nepotism have severely tarnished her image and could make it extremely difficult for her to secure the NUP flag bearer position.
The 2026 elections in Makindye West are shaping up to be a fierce battleground. The potential for a fractured NUP vote, coupled with the NRM’s likely consolidation of support behind a single candidate, presents a significant challenge for the party. Luyirika’s political future hangs precariously in the balance, as the weight of these serious allegations threatens to crush her ambitions.
Adding fuel to the firestorm surrounding Zaharah Luyirika are allegations of infidelity, further tarnishing her public image. During a recent diaspora tour with NUP Principal Bobi Wine in Canada, Luyirika is accused of engaging in an extramarital affair with a married man.
The situation escalated when the man’s wife publicly confronted Bobi Wine’s team, accusing them of facilitating the alleged encounter.
This scandal adds a layer of personal impropriety to the existing accusations of corruption and nepotism.
The allegations of infidelity, especially when tied to an official trip, raise serious questions about Luyirika’s character and judgment. Critics argue that such behavior demonstrates a lack of respect for personal relationships and undermines the moral standing expected of a public figure.
The public confrontation in Canada has amplified the controversy, spreading the story rapidly within the Ugandan diaspora and back home. This personal scandal, combined with the serious accusations of financial misconduct, creates a damaging narrative that could significantly hinder Luyirika’s political aspirations.
It portrays her as someone who not only abuses public office but also disregards personal ethics.
