Parliament Approves Additional Funding of 157b to KCCA for Maintenance of Roads in the City

Addressing the longstanding issue of deteriorating road infrastructure in Kampala, Parliament has greenlit an additional allocation of Shs157 billion to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for the reconstruction and maintenance of city roads in the upcoming 2024/2025 financial year.

The decision came following a comprehensive review by the Committee on Presidential Affairs, which scrutinized the Ministerial Policy Statement and Budget Estimates of entities under Presidential Affairs. Chaired by Speaker Anita Among, the plenary sitting saw the adoption of the committee's report, presented by chairperson Jesca Ababiku.

Ababiku highlighted the pressing need for investment in Kampala's road network, emphasizing that while KCCA requires Shs200 billion for infrastructure development and maintenance, only a fraction of this amount, Shs43 billion, had been allocated in the Medium-Term Expenditure Fund ceiling.

"The committee recognizes the challenges posed by the poor state of roads, including potholes and clogged drains, which contribute to discomfort for motorists, increased travel time, vehicle breakdowns, and accidents," the report noted.

With external financing projected at Shs549 billion, the committee underscored that this intervention would address only a fraction of the problem, with over 1,500 kilometers of roads still in dire need of attention. Consequently, the committee recommended an additional annual provision of Shs157 billion to enable KCCA to meet current maintenance demands and tackle the issue of potholes effectively.

Highlighting the significance of revitalizing Kampala's infrastructure, Muhammad Nsereko, Kampala Central Division Member of Parliament, emphasized the city's role as the nation's face. "Let us make the city look good," he urged, noting that improved infrastructure would not only attract tourists but also motivate taxpayers by showcasing tangible results.

In another development, Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) is set to transition into commercialization following Parliament's approval of an additional allocation of Shs134 billion for the operationalization of its Jinja-based vehicle plant.

According to the committee's findings, KMC requires Shs166.64 billion to kickstart operations at the plant, with only Shs32.5 billion initially provided. Chairperson Ababiku underscored the importance of supporting KMC's transition to commercialization, citing its potential for job creation and wealth generation.