By Aggrey Baba
H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday officially launched the reconstruction of Salaama–Munyonyo Road, one of Kampala’s key road links, in an event which took place at Takajunge Village in Salaama and is part of the government’s plan to improve infrastructure and services in the city.
The 8.1 km road is being worked on by China Railway 18th Bureau Group Co. Ltd. and includes improvements at Kulekaana Junction. It’s part of the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP).
As part of his speech, the President said that while better roads are important, they should not be seen as the final goal of development.
“We’re happy to see progress on this Salaama road, which is part of a bigger project aiming to increase Kampala’s tarmacked roads to over 900 km out of the total 1,200 km. Remember, you don’t sleep on roads, you sleep in houses. Roads are good, but we must also focus on creating wealth and increasing incomes in our homes,” he said.
Museveni praised Mrs. Fausta Nalweyiso of Kibumbiro in Busega, who runs a successful piggery under the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying such examples show real transformation.
“This is what we want to see in all homes. Real change starts with people becoming productive,” Museveni said, adding that wealth creation not only helps individuals but also creates jobs. He said government programs like Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, and now PDM, have all aimed to grow incomes.
However, he explained the government has shifted from centrally managed programs to those that reach people directly because of past inefficiencies.
He said he stood firm during Cabinet discussions about this change and is glad PDM is showing results.
The President also acknowledged challenges with the PDM, including theft and mismanagement of funds, but promised to investigate and said more money may be needed, especially in urban areas. He even proposed a new policy to give separate funds for parish leaders, so they don’t fight over the UGX 100 million meant for community members.
“I don’t want to see leaders fighting over this money. We’ll add more (some for the people and some for the leaders)” Museveni said.
He also suggested starting special programs to support urban youth, who face different challenges than rural youth.
Turning to politics, the President blamed poor service delivery in Kampala on voters who elect opposition politicians.
“The problem in this city is electing opposition leaders who don’t help you. I don’t even know your MPs,” Museveni said, giving the example of Busega Market, which lacked a good road connection, and said he only found out by visiting personally.
“How would I know there’s no road unless someone tells me? Why elect MPs who don’t follow up?” he asked, urging people to hold their leaders accountable.
According to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Salaama–Munyonyo road works began on May 14, 2024. So far, 2.4 km of asphalt has been laid, and the project is expected to finish by December 31, 2025.
KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki gave an update on the larger KCRRP, saying 32.9 km (or 37.93%) out of the total 86.9 km of city roads have been completed since the project started in December 2022.
Roads already done include Old Mubende, Kigala, Kabega, Wamala, Muteesa I, Luwafu, Kayemba, Muzito, Suuna II, and Masiro roads.
She added that in the next three years, UGX 550 billion will be spent on upgrading another 85 km of roads, which will boost economic activity and help bring more people into the money economy.
Kampala Minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda assured the public of government’s strong commitment to improving urban infrastructure, while local NRM leaders like Makindye chairperson Lukyamuzi Kakooza welcomed the project, saying opposition politicians had always used the poor condition of Salaama Road to criticize government.
“This road up to Kiruddu Hospital had become a big issue. The opposition used it to blame the government for putting patients’ lives at risk,” Kakooza said.
Other leaders at the event included Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, NRM Mobilization Director Hon. Rosemary Sseninde, Kampala RCC Ms. Asiimwe Jane Muhindo, and Presidential Advisor for Kampala Ms. Sarah Kanyike. District chairpersons from Kampala and surrounding areas also attended.
