LORD MAYOR TO PUSH FOR PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON MODERN MARKETS IN KAMPALA

The Lord Mayor of Kampala City H.W. Erias Lukwago has revealed that Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is going to fast track the implementation of President Museveni's directive to construct two modern markets in each of the five divisions of Kampala.

This commitment, aimed at uplifting the urban poor, was highlighted during the presentation of the Kampala Policy Agenda for 2024/2025 financial year, held at the Mayor's Parlor on Tuesday. 

"We shall push for the implementation of the presidential directive. We want these markets constructed in the next financial year," Lukwago emphasized.

He revealed that Busega Market whose construction has been completed will be opened to vendors in the first quarter of the next financial year, and Phase II construction of Kitintale Market will also be completed. 

Flanked by Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura and KCCA Deputy Executive Director Eng. David Luyimbazi, the Lord Mayor outlined a robust agenda geared towards transforming Kampala into a smart city.  

Roads and drainage 

Lukwago commended government for allocating UGX 1.135 trillion for the financial year 2024/2025, marking the first time in history that the city's budget has reached the trillion mark.

Much of this money will be going to road construction and drainage improvements.

"We promise that at least 80 additional roads will be completed next financial year," Lukwago said.

The completion of these projects is expected to greatly enhance Kampala's infrastructure.

Efforts to address the city's drainage issues are also a priority in the next financial year, with the completion of the Lubigi and Nakamiro drainage channels, and the commencement of construction on the Nalukolongo and Mayanja channels within the year.

Education services

In the education sector, KCCA plans to complete the construction of classroom blocks at Nakivubo, Kasubi Family, and Mpererwe primary schools, along with a Seed Primary School in Kawempe division.  

Renovations are slated for Kyambogo College School, including the removal of asbestos from all public schools and improvements to playgrounds. 

To improve garbage management, KCCA will add 10 garbage trucks to its fleet, aiming for one truck per parish.  

The Kitezi dumpsite will be decommissioned by the end of the next financial year, with a new modern recycling plant planned for Dundu, Mukono.

Air Quality and Green Spaces 

The agenda includes initiatives to institutionalize air quality management, develop a mobile app for disseminating air quality information, and purchase 150 air quality monitors under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) plan.  

Additionally, KCCA aims to develop a city air quality management ordinance, acquire land for an urban forest, reclaim and beautify grabbed green parks, and plant 10,000 trees along various roads. 

Lighting and Pothole Repairs 

Key on the agenda is to expand street lighting coverage across the city and fix all potholes on paved roads by the end of the second quarter of the next financial year 2024/25, promising a pothole-free city.

Commenting on the policy agenda, the KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka said the policy statements are aligned with the NRM manifesto (2021-2026) and the technical team will ensure they are implemented in accordance with the budget.

KCCA’s comprehensive agenda sets a clear path towards transforming Kampala into a smart city, enhancing infrastructure, and improving the quality of life for its residents.