New Lord Mayor Balimwezo Faces Uphill Battle at City Hall

Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga has officially taken the helm as Kampala’s Lord Mayor, facing a daunting array of challenges that plague Uganda’s capital. During his inaugural address, Balimwezo articulated a vision centered on transforming Kampala through accountability, professionalism, and inclusive governance.

He acknowledged that Kampala, despite being the nation’s economic powerhouse contributing significantly to GDP, is severely strained by rapid urbanization and underfunded services. The city’s daytime population swells to an estimated four million, placing immense pressure on infrastructure. Balimwezo highlighted that the current budget, while substantial, falls far short of the actual demands for infrastructure and service delivery.

A critical focus for the new administration will be the city’s deteriorating road network and worsening traffic congestion. Balimwezo noted that many of Kampala’s roads are beyond their lifespan, and the economic cost of daily traffic jams is estimated to be nearly Shs10 trillion annually. He also pledged to improve coordination among utility providers to prevent repeated road excavations shortly after repairs.

Waste management is another pressing concern. Kampala generates over 2,500 tonnes of waste daily, with less than half being collected, contributing to the city’s reputation as one of the dirtiest globally. Balimwezo proposed adopting modern waste management technologies to address this crisis.

Furthermore, the Lord Mayor intends to address the needs of the informal sector, which supports over 60 percent of Kampala’s population. He also vowed to tackle corruption within the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) through reforms promoting transparency and accountability. Stakeholder consultations with various groups, including vendors, taxi operators, and youth, will be prioritized to shape the city’s future collectively.

The day also saw newly sworn-in councillors expressing their commitment to urban improvement, with plans for an air quality ordinance and the construction of the Ggaba Market. KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki pledged a collaborative working relationship, emphasizing the need for tangible service delivery over political disputes.

This report was sourced from the Daily Monitor.