President Yoweri Museveni has taken decisive action to address the dilapidated state of Kampala’s roads by instructing the Special Forces Command (SFC) to collaborate with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in a pothole repair initiative. In a letter dated May 22, President Museveni directed the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, to ensure the prompt implementation of this directive.
Recognizing the potential cost savings compared to profit-seeking contractors, President Museveni highlighted the expertise and resources of the SFC Construction Regiment in addressing the city’s pothole problem. The SFC, a specialized unit within the Ugandan military, has enthusiastically embraced the task, affirming their readiness to tackle the rehabilitation of existing roads that have fallen into disrepair.
Maj Jimmy Omara, the spokesperson for the SFC, has confirmed the regiment’s preparedness to embark on the road repair mission. He reassured the public that their engineers possess the necessary equipment and workforce to undertake the project efficiently. To facilitate collaboration with KCCA, an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being formulated. However, the timeline for the commencement of the repair works will depend on the availability of funds.
In response to President Museveni’s directive, the Prime Minister held a meeting with key stakeholders, including KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, UNRA Executive Director Allen Kagina, and Uganda Road Fund Executive Director Dr. Andrew Naimanye. Also present were representatives from the Kampala Minister, Works Minister, and the Attorney General’s office.
KCCA spokesperson Simon Kasyate welcomed the support from the Special Forces Command, emphasizing the importance of interagency collaboration to deliver effective services to the public. Kasyate acknowledged the budgetary limitations faced by KCCA and the substantial maintenance requirements of Kampala’s extensive road network. With over 1500km of unpaved roads in need of attention, KCCA’s resources have been stretched thin, making external assistance invaluable in tackling the pothole menace.
The dire state of Kampala’s roads gained widespread attention in April when frustrated citizens initiated the “Kampala pothole exhibition” on social media. By sharing photos and videos of the city’s pothole-ridden roads, residents hoped to draw attention to the urgent need for repairs. Many criticized both KCCA and the government for neglecting the deteriorating infrastructure.
Responding to public outcry, KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka candidly admitted the agency’s financial constraints. She revealed that KCCA requires an annual budget of between UGX 75-100 billion to adequately maintain the roads but only receives a fraction of that amount. President Museveni, recognizing the severity of the situation, promptly directed the Ministry of Finance to release UGX 6 billion to address immediate pothole filling, repairs, and road maintenance.
It is worth noting that only 30% of Kampala’s extensive road network, spanning 2,100km, is currently paved. The collaborative efforts between the SFC and KCCA offer a glimmer of hope for Kampala’s residents and motorists, as they strive to alleviate the persistent pothole problem and improve the overall condition of the city’s road infrastructure.
As the SFC and KCCA work together and await the necessary funding, the public eagerly anticipates the start of road repair works. The successful completion of this joint initiative will not only enhance the safety and efficiency of transportation in Kampala but also serve as a testament to the power of interagency cooperation in addressing critical infrastructure challenges.
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