By Aggrey Baba
President Yoweri Museveni has admitted that Uganda’s economic recovery has come with a new headache for Kampala, where the growing number of cars, boda bodas and cargo trucks has turned transport into a disorganized mixture of road users competing for limited space.
Speaking on Friday as Uganda marked 64 years of independence, the president argued that the traffic jams that have become part of daily life in the capital are partly a reflection of the country’s economic progress, with more people now able to own vehicles than they were in 1986 when he took over power.
“One of the gaps we shall have to deal with is the akatogo of transport. The transport system now is mixed. That’s why you get all sorts of problems in Kampala,” Museveni said.
He recalled that when the NRM/M took power in 1986, Kampala did not experience the kind of traffic gridlock that now frustrates road user, explaining that the difference is partly due to the growth in vehicle ownership.
“In 1986, we had no traffic jam. We had no traffic jam,” he said.
Museveni maintained that rhe country had moved forward economically, but argued that Uganda had not adequately reorganized its transport system to match the pace of that progress.
He pointed to the increasing number of private cars, boda bodas [motorcycles] and cargo vehicles on the roads, saying their uncontrolled interaction was contributing to the congestion that has become a major urban challenge.
The President’s argument was that the country cannot continue expanding its vehicle population without putting in place a transport system capable of managing the growing pressure on roads.
“So we are moving on that now,” he said, signalling that his government was working to address the problem, although he did not spell out specific measures in the remarks.
His comments come as Kampala residents continue to endure long traffic delays, with congestion affecting workers, traders, businesses and other road users. The capital’s transport challenges have also intensified public debate over road infrastructure, public transport and the regulation of boda bodas and freight movement.
Museveni’s remarks offered a glimpse into the government’s view of the challenge, that the economic recovery that has enabled more Ugandans to acquire vehicles must now be matched by better transport planning and organisation.
Uganda marked 64 years of independence from British colonial rule under the theme “Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership,” and unlike before, this year’s national celebrations were held at State House Entebbe, where the President used the occasion to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and the challenges that must be addressed as development continues. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
