By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has delivered a stinging rebuke of the country’s poor infrastructure and rampant corruption, saying the state of Uganda’s roads is so dire that “driving on them feels like seeing your grave in hell.”
Speaking during his Easter message at the Bishop’s House Namirembe Hill, Kampala on Wednesday, Archbishop Kaziimba criticized government officials who embezzle public funds meant for essential services. He said the money intended to develop schools, improve infrastructure, and procure medicines for hospitals is being diverted by a few corrupt individuals.
“Corruption is not just a legal or governance issue,” he said. “It is a spiritual and moral problem that must be addressed with urgency.”
The Archbishop’s remarks come amid growing public frustration over the condition of roads across the country and the continued misuse of public resources.
Members of Parliament have also 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.
MP Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, Nakawa East legislator has 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.
Additionally, the Wakiso district woman MP, Hon. Ethel Naluyima says when landing at Entebbe, visitors get to see a dusty road behind the airport, which she says has suffered years of neglect, embarrassing the country.
The MPs were reacting to a report by the Committee on Physical Infrastructure on Budget Estimates presented by MP Tony Awany during a plenary sitting on Tuesday.
In the report, the committee noted disparities in the cost of similar kilometers of roads.
Responding to MPs, Minister Musa Ecweru said with the allocation ministry of works and transport receives, it would take a miracle to adequately address the country’s infrastructure needs.
