Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has announced that the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) will expedite the implementation of President Museveni’s directive to construct two modern markets in each of the city’s five divisions.
During the presentation of the Kampala Policy Agenda for 2024, held at the Mayor’s Parlor, Lukwago emphasized the importance of this commitment to uplift the urban poor. “We shall push for the implementation of the presidential directive. We want these markets constructed in the next financial year,” Lukwago asserted.
He further revealed that the construction of Busega Market has been completed and will be opened to vendors in the first quarter of the next financial year, while the second phase of construction for Kitintale Market will also be finished.
Joined by Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura and KCCA Deputy Executive Director Eng. David Luyimbazi, the Lord Mayor outlined a robust agenda aimed at transforming Kampala into a smart city.
Lukwago commended the government for allocating UGX 1.135 trillion for the financial year 2024/2025, marking the first time in history that the city’s budget has reached the trillion mark. Much of this funding will be dedicated to road construction and drainage improvements.
“We promise that at least 80 additional roads will be completed next financial year,” Lukwago said, highlighting that these projects are expected to significantly enhance Kampala’s infrastructure.
Addressing the city’s drainage issues is also a priority for the next financial year. The Lubigi and Nakamiro drainage channels will be completed, and construction will begin on the Nalukolongo and Mayanja channels within the year.
In the education sector, KCCA plans to complete the construction of classroom blocks at Nakivubo, Kasubi Family, and Mpererwe primary schools, along with a Seed Primary School in the Kawempe division. Renovations are also slated for Kyambogo College School, including the removal of asbestos from all public schools and improvements to playgrounds.
To improve garbage management, KCCA will add 10 garbage trucks to its fleet, aiming for one truck per parish. The Kitezi dumpsite will be decommissioned by the end of the next financial year, with plans for a new modern recycling plant in Dundu, Mukono.
The agenda also includes initiatives to institutionalize air quality management, develop a mobile app for disseminating air quality information, and purchase 150 air quality monitors under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) plan. Additionally, KCCA aims to develop a city air quality management ordinance, acquire land for an urban forest, reclaim and beautify grabbed green parks, and plant 10,000 trees along various roads.
A key focus of the agenda is to expand street lighting coverage across the city and fix all potholes on paved roads by the end of the second quarter of the next financial year 2024/25, promising a pothole-free city.
Commenting on the policy agenda, KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka said the policy statements align with the NRM manifesto (2021-2026) and the technical team will ensure they are implemented in accordance with the budget.
KCCA’s comprehensive agenda sets a clear path toward transforming Kampala into a smart city, enhancing infrastructure, and improving the quality of life for its residents.
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