KAMPALA
Members of Parliament have raised alarm over the worsening state of roads across the country, particularly in Kampala, calling for urgent intervention and a complete overhaul of city infrastructure planning.
The concerns were voiced during a plenary session on Tuesday, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, as MPs debated the report of the Committee on Physical Infrastructure on Budget Estimates and Ministerial Policy Statements for the Ministries of Lands and Works and Transport.
During the plenary, MP Ronald Balimwezo ( Nakawa East) criticized the current road designs in Kampala, saying they are illogical and contribute to severe traffic congestion. He argued that residents waste hours stuck in traffic, which he said negatively affects productivity and slows down the national economy. He called for Kampala to be given special infrastructural attention.
The Wakiso district woman MP, Sarah Kayagi added that mountainous regions across the country require customized road infrastructure to ease movement and ensure accessibility in hard-to-reach areas.
Additionally, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa informed the House that there is not a single central government-funded or tarmacked road in his constituency, Ruhinda North County in Mitooma District. He made this statement following concerns raised by Mitooma District Woman Representative, Hon. Juliet Agasha Bashiisha, regarding the government’s unfulfilled promise to tarmac the Kabwohe–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri road. The road, previously included in national budgets, is now absent from the National Development Plan IV (NDPIV). She also highlighted the need for the rehabilitation of the Nchwera Bridge in Ruhinda North County.
The committee’s report, presented by MP Tony Awany, highlighted inconsistencies in the cost of constructing similar lengths of roads in different areas, raising questions of accountability and efficiency.
MPs also expressed concern about persistent flooding in Kampala, calling for the urgent implementation of the Kampala Drainage Master Plan.
However, Nyabushozi county MP Wilson Kajwengye blamed poor urban habits, saying some city dwellers irresponsibly dispose of garbage in drainage channels, worsening the flooding.
“…poorly brought up city dwellers clog Kampala drainage with garbage and cause flooding…” MP Kajwengye argued.
He proposed a ban on plastics and polythene bags within the city.
In response, Minister of State for Works Musa Ecweru acknowledged the infrastructure crisis, saying the ministry is grossly underfunded.
“With the current allocation, it would take a miracle to meet the country’s infrastructure demands,” he said.
The debate underscored the urgent need for both increased funding and strategic reforms to improve Uganda’s road network and urban infrastructure.
