In 2016 when she chaired a probe committee set up to investigate Dr Stella Nyanzi’s saga at the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Sharifah Buzeki did not mince her words as to what should be done to the controversial researcher.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“Discipline her thoroughly,” she told other members. Her defiance (not to teach until Prof Mahmood Mamdani leaves MISR) has resulted into a workload for other staff.”
Buzeki who has been appoinited the new executive director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is no pushover.
Yes, she wears her Islamic faith on her long-sleeved dresses, and on the surface she is humble. But she can also be a tough cookie, like Stella Nyanzi and others who have worked with her can testify.
Buzeki’s career spans over two decades, but she has spent 13 of those years at the Ministry of Public Service rising through the ranks to become commissioner Human Resource Management.
In that role, she has spearheaded reforms aimed at streamlining human resource management within the civil service.
For instance, during the COVID-19-induced lockdown, there was a dilemma as to how to evaluate government officials who were working from home.
Sources say she came up with a good idea. Every official working from home was supposed to document what they did, in the line of their duty, between 8.00 am and 5.00 PM. Those reports were supposed to be sent to HR officers in the different government departments. Thereafter officials would be interviewed by telephone or Zoom to establish the authenticity and accuracy of the reports.
Sources said many officials were discovered to be lying about what they did.
She has also been the coordinator of the Pearl of Africa Performance Scorecard, that tracks the the performance of officials in government ministries, departments, and agencies.
upporting MDAs in documenting and applying Service delivery standards,
Buzeki has also been instrumental in enhancing efficiency, tackling ghost workers, and ensuring timely payment of salaries.
Those who have interacted with her say she is a meticulous and results-oriented professional who never shies away from tough decisions.
“She does not tolerate nonsense and excuses,” said a former colleague of hers.
Prayerful
Beyond her professional achievements, Buzeki is deeply spiritual. Ten times out of ten, she will wear a head veil and long-sleeved dresses to signify her deep attachment to the Islamic faith. At work, she is fondly referred to as Hajjati, a title given to Muslim women who have conducted the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
She is also known for her commitment to charity. She is a member of Aliwaa Education and Community Development, a Muslim-founded organization that provides essential services to those who are less fortunate.
Her colleagues often describe her as someone who begins every meeting with a moment of reflection and prayer, emphasizing the importance of integrity and service to others.
Buzeki’s faith also informs her approach to leadership. She believes in servant leadership, where the needs of the community come first. This philosophy aligns perfectly with KCCA’s mandate to transform Kampala into a sustainable and inclusive city.
Toughness
While Buzeki is admired for her humility, she is no pushover. Former colleagues recount instances where she stood her ground against influential individuals attempting to derail reforms. Her firmness in dealing with corruption and inefficiency has earned her both admirers and critics.
“She’s the kind of leader who listens to everyone but makes decisions based on what’s best for the majority,” says a former colleague. “You can’t intimidate her.”
At KCCA, Buzeki is expected to tackle challenges such as traffic congestion, waste management, and poor urban planning. Her initial steps have included engaging stakeholders—from boda boda riders to market vendors—to understand their perspectives and forge inclusive solutions.
The KCCA top job has been a poisoned chalice for her two predecessors. Jennifer Musisi, the first ED was initially praised for her toughness and clear-mindedness. However, she fell out with President Museveni after she was blamed for NRM’s massive loss in Kampala in the 2016 elections.
Dorothy Kisaka, a born-again who cut a motherly figure, never got going. She was eventually swallowed up by the Kiteezi landfill saga that claimed more than 30 lives in September.
Buzeki will need some humbleness, prayers and a bit of toughness to sail smoothly.