KCCA SEEKS ADDITIONAL UGX 200 BILLION TO SUSTAIN KAMPALA’S TRANSFORMATION

Kampala Capital City Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to building a cleaner, safer and more livable city, as top management led by Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Presidential Affairs on Tuesday to present progress made and priority funding needs.

KCCA reported steady improvements in road rehabilitation, garbage collection, trade order and service delivery, noting that these efforts have contributed to improved calm, mobility and daily life for city residents, workers and visitors.

To sustain these gains, the Authority requested an additional UGX 200 billion in the FY 2026/2027 budget. KCCA said the funding is critical to maintaining road works, modernizing waste management, improving public health services, expanding street lighting and upgrading markets and schools.

Hajjat Buzeki told the committee that Kampala’s fast-growing population continues to increase demand for services, requiring sustained investment to deliver efficient and people-centered solutions.

KCCA’s approved budget for FY 2025/2026 stands at UGX 955.93 billion. By the end of the second quarter, UGX 460.3 billion had been released, with UGX 256 billion absorbed.

Management explained that absorption was affected by delayed completion certificates under major infrastructure projects, including the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP) and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP).

Despite these constraints, KCCA has continued to deliver essential services in a city that serves millions daily.

Committee Chairperson Alex Byarugaba, MP for Isingiro South, commended KCCA for putting to good use the funds availed to them, maintaining order and stability in the city.

“There is calmness in Kampala. Thank you for holding fort and doing your best,” he said, urging residents to protect public infrastructure and support city development.

KCCA emphasized that waste management must be treated as a public utility. Currently, over 100 parishes are served by only 30 garbage trucks, stretching collection capacity. The Authority has secured land and is seeking funding to invest in modern waste-to-value systems, landfill equipment and additional garbage trucks.

The Authority also highlighted the work of more than 4,000 city cleaners, whose pay would be increased to UGX 10,000 following a presidential directive. The adjustment has created a UGX 6 billion funding gap, reinforcing the need for additional resources to sustain cleaner neighborhoods.

On infrastructure, KCCA reported progress on roads such as Old Mubende, Luwafu, Kigala, Ssentema, Wamala and Kabega, which have improved mobility and business activity. However, new roads require regular cleaning and maintenance, increasing operational costs.

Public safety remains a priority, with parts of the city, particularly Rubaga Division, requiring at least 42,000 additional street lights. Health facilities are also under pressure, operating with staffing levels below 50 percent. KCCA plans to recruit health workers and construct critical facilities, including a city mortuary, at an estimated cost of UGX 20 billion.

Markets, schools and public buildings require upgrades due to age and heavy use, while vandalism of public infrastructure continues to raise maintenance costs.

Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye thanked Parliament for its continued support and called for sustained investment to consolidate the gains already made.

KCCA said the requested additional funding is essential to protect public health, enhance safety, support livelihoods and keep Kampala moving forward as a functional and inclusive capital.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer