Politics 2 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Balimwezo Pledges to Block Substandard Roads in Kampala as Lord Mayor-Elect
Nakawa West MP and Kampala lord mayor-elect Eng Ronald Balimwezo has promised to reject poorly constructed roads, citing examples like Spring Road during a parliamentary review of KCCA's 2026/27 budget. He also highlighted land encroachments and called for a comprehensive asset register to protect public property. Source: https://observer.ug/news/balimwezo-vows-to-reject-substandard-road-projects-in-kampala
Eng Ronald Balimwezo, Nakawa West MP and incoming Kampala lord mayor, has committed to upholding high standards in road projects. During a Parliament Presidential Affairs committee session reviewing the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) policy statement for 2026/27, he criticized shoddy work on roads like Spring Road, which features deep potholes.
“I will not accept handover of roads in such poor condition,” Balimwezo declared, pointing to inadequate supervision and delayed projects observed during his recent site visits with Works ministry officials.
He raised alarms over mismanagement of public assets, including encroachments on Kololo Secondary School grounds, Naguru-Nakawa, and Matope areas. Road reserves like Kataza Ring Road have also been illegally subdivided. Balimwezo urged Parliament to allocate funds for a proper property inventory system.
KCCA deputy executive director Benon Moses Kigenyi defended progress, noting upgrades of 4.6 km using internal resources amid Kampala’s vast 2,100 km network, where only 775 km are paved and many deteriorating. He mentioned delays in mass transit plans due to funding gaps.
State Minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye listed road maintenance, waste, and cleanliness as top priorities, blaming utility relocations and past land sales for setbacks. He promised government focus on land acquisition and stricter rules against street vending and unruly taxis.
KCCA’s Shs 1.058 trillion budget, up 15.5%, targets 29.15 km of road rehab, 35.99 km new roads, expanded waste handling to 547,500 tonnes, green space recovery, and health upgrades like a 60-bed maternity ward at Kiswa. Yet, citizen satisfaction lingers at 49%, with mixed performance indicators.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)