KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki Joins BRICS Capitals to Foster Urban Cooperation and Sustainable Development

Moscow, Russia – Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki has joined other leaders of BRICS capitals in signing a Joint Statement at the Moscow City Duma, marking a new chapter in international urban collaboration and sustainable development.

The agreement, signed on Monday, brings together the capital cities of BRICS member states and their partners in a historic commitment to strengthen parliamentary and municipal cooperation for the sustainable transformation of urban areas.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Executive Director Buzeki noted that Kampala’s participation demonstrates Uganda’s readiness to engage with global networks driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusive urban growth.

“We joined the rest of the BRICS capitals and signed a Joint Statement where we expressed our intentions to establish a Parliamentary Movement for Capital Cities of the BRICS countries and promote sustainable development of our capitals and other cities among other areas of cooperation,” she said.

Strengthening Parliamentary and Municipal Collaboration

The newly formed Parliamentary Movement for Capital Cities of the BRICS countries will serve as a platform for city leaders and legislative bodies to coordinate policies, share experiences, and develop practical solutions to urban challenges. The initiative seeks to deepen dialogue between parliaments and municipalities to ensure that cities remain central in the implementation of national and global development agendas.

This movement aims to

address shared issues such as urban governance, housing, environmental management, infrastructure, innovation, and citizen welfare — areas where cities like Kampala continue to seek transformative partnerships.

Advancing Sustainable Urban Development

Through the Joint Statement, the BRICS capitals reaffirmed their collective commitment to sustainable development, focusing on improving the quality of life for urban residents.

Executive Director Buzeki emphasized that Kampala stands to benefit from shared knowledge, technical exchange, and collaboration on environmental planning, waste management, and smart city development.

“We will engage in joint projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of our citizens and creating a favorable urban environment,” she added.

The cooperation framework envisions future projects that could include green transport systems, digital governance innovations, and environmental restoration programs tailored to local contexts.

Positioning Kampala on the Global Stage

By joining this strategic alliance, Kampala strengthens its visibility as a dynamic African capital committed to sustainability and innovation. The partnership aligns with KCCA’s broader mission under Sharifah Buzeki’s leadership — to modernize urban service delivery, foster inclusive growth, and enhance Kampala’s international partnerships.

The engagement also reflects Uganda’s openness to new development models that harness south-south cooperation — a cornerstone principle of BRICS.

The BRICS Capitals cooperation brings together the leading cities of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside invited partner capitals, to exchange expertise in governance, urban planning, and technology. The platform serves as a hub for sharing policy innovations that can accelerate social and economic progress across member cities.

The Moscow City Duma event concluded with delegates committing to periodic consultations and working groups to advance the joint initiatives identified in the signed statement.

Kampala’s inclusion in the BRICS Capitals initiative marks a significant diplomatic and developmental milestone — one that could pave the way for transformative urban projects and elevate Uganda’s capital as a model for sustainable city management in Africa.