MPS: KCCA CAN’T MAINTAIN ROADS, DRAINAGE ON UGX 10 BILLION

Lawmakers on the Physical Infrastructure Committee of Parliament have called for a significant increase in funding to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), warning that the current allocation under the Uganda Road Fund (URF) is far below what is needed to manage the capital’s growing road and drainage challenges.

The call came Tuesday as KCCA officials, led by State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, appeared before the committee to present the status of road infrastructure and drainage systems in Kampala.

Kyofatogabye noted that KCCA requires an annual allocation of at least UGX 55 billion to effectively maintain the city’s roads and drainage infrastructure. This funding would cover routine and periodic maintenance of approximately 700 kilometers of paved roads and 500 kilometers of gravel roads, as well as essential drainage systems.

Funds from the URF are intended to support a wide range of infrastructure activities, including maintenance of bridges and other structures, road safety works such as signage and markings, traffic management, upkeep of streetlights and traffic junctions, and servicing of equipment critical to maintaining the city’s transport network.

Members of Parliament expressed concern over the mismatch between the city’s infrastructure demands and available funding.

“UGX 10 billion to maintain over 2,000 kilometers of roads is not realistic,” said Mohammad Nsereko, the MP for Kampala Central urging government to substantially increase KCCA’s allocation.

Ronald Balimwezo, the MP for Nakawa East, highlighted the impact of poor drainage on road conditions, noting that water remains the biggest threat to the city’s infrastructure.

“The biggest enemy of roads is water,” said Ronald Balimwezo, pointing out that nearly 60 percent of URF funds are already being spent on desilting drains, essentially fighting symptoms instead of curing the disease.

Fred Kayondo, Mukono South warned that continuing to allocate UGX 10 billion year after year is “not being serious,” especially when floods are “terrorizing Kampala and roads getting spoilt.”

Others like Gerald Rwemulikya of Ntoroko County, suggested figures as high as UGX 100 billion to adequately support both road maintenance and drainage systems.

Committee Chairperson Dan Kimosho, commended KCCA for its ongoing efforts despite financial constraints, noting that the Authority has continued to deliver services under challenging conditions.

Responding to the concerns, KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki said the Authority requires at least UGX 55 billion annually for road maintenance alone, emphasizing that the current URF allocation limits the city’s ability to respond effectively to infrastructure demands.

“If we have a better allocation under the Road Fund, we will be able to address more roads and improve drainage systems across the city,” Buzeki said.

Buzeki who was flanked by her Deputy Benon Kigenyi emphasized the scale of ongoing investments in the capital’s infrastructure, including funding for integrated development projects and drainage improvements targeting flood-prone areas.

She noted that while progress is being made, increased funding through the Road Fund is critical to sustaining road maintenance and addressing persistent flooding.

At the same time, legislators emphasized the need for public cooperation in maintaining drainage systems. Kasilo County MP Elijah Okupa cautioned that continued dumping of waste in drainage channels undermines government investment and contributes to flooding.

Despite these challenges, lawmakers reaffirmed the importance of investing in Kampala’s infrastructure, describing the city as a critical driver of Uganda’s economy.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer