KCCA DEPUTY ED URGES COMMUNITIES TO SAFEGUARD CITY ROADS

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has called on city residents to take greater responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure, particularly drainage systems, as it steps up efforts to improve road networks across the city.

During a site tour of Kanyike Road in Kawempe Division on Friday morning, KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi emphasized the importance of maintaining clean drainage channels and avoiding garbage dumping, which he said remains one of the leading causes of flooding and road damage in Kampala.

“When residents dump garbage into the drainage, the water cannot flow properly. It floods the roads, weakens the infrastructure, and shortens the road’s lifespan. Everyone must play a role in keeping the drains clear,” Kigenyi said.

He was accompanied by KCCA engineers and contractors supervising the ongoing road works, which include the construction improved drainage systems to enhance safety and resilience.

Kigenyi noted that KCCA has adopted a “roads for people, not just vehicles” policy, under which all new city roads will include pedestrian walkways. He said this approach aims to protect school-going children and other pedestrians who walk daily to and from their destinations.

“It is now a policy of KCCA that every new road must have a walkway. We are designing infrastructure that prioritizes people because many city residents walk every day,” he added.

The Kanyike Road project is part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades under the government of Uganda funding.

There are other ongoing road projects under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP), which has over 30 roads, the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Project (GKMA-UDP), with over 15 roads in its first Phase and other Government of Uganda-funded initiatives. These projects are aimed at improving road connectivity, drainage, and overall mobility across the city.

Kigenyi commended government for supporting the construction of roads like Kanyike, and urged local communities to take ownership of the infrastructure to ensure it serves its full purpose.

“We are working hard to build durable and people-centered roads, but their longevity depends on how well the communities use and maintain them,” Kigenyi said.

The Deputy Executive Director reaffirmed KCCA’s commitment to creating a walkable, flood-resilient, and sustainable city, in line with its broader vision of transforming Kampala into a modern urban center.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer