DST Patrick Ocailap holds induction meeting with KCCA ED as top KCCA Project Bosses applaud gov’t for devolving local government functions.

According to experts, for a meaningful and real devolution of the functions, local governments should be effectively empowered to frame regulations, make decisions, and enforce their will within their legitimate sphere of action. Such empowerment should be clearly and unambiguously defined by the State legislature.

The Deputy Secretary to the Treasury (DST), Patrick Ocailap & Acting Accountant General, Godfrey Ssemugooma last week met the new Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Hajat Buzeki Sharifah & her Deputy, Benon Kigenyi at the Finance Ministry.

The KCCA-ED briefed the DST and his technical team about the work they are doing highlighting some of the challenges for the Vote such as inadequate funding & devolution of functions and services to Urban City Division Councils as required by the KCCA Act,2010.

She said there is a need to empower Town Clerks to plan, budget and implement activities under their charge to improve service delivery in the city. Adding that currently, most of the activities are implemented at the headquarters.

The DST Ocailap in support, said the Urban City Division Councils should be given the mandate to plan and budget for their resources as well as approve payments on the IFMS for those functions that have been devolved.

The DST said KCCA should also develop a mechanism to streamline all development projects handled under the Vote and those handled at the City Division Councils for effective service delivery.

Following the meeting between KCCA and the finance minister, various projects have been witnessed going back under the management of KCCA.

The Ministry of Works and Transport officially handed over the Kampala Flyover Lot 1 Project Works and equipment to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for operation and maintenance.

The handover ceremony took place on February 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to improve urban mobility and ease traffic congestion in the capital.

According to KCCA The Kampala Flyover Project aims to alleviate traffic congestion through road upgrades, flyover and underpass construction, and intersection improvements. The project, funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is designed to enhance the transportation network within the Greater Kampala area.

Eng. Justus Akankwasa, representing KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, committed that KCCA will uphold its maintenance responsibilities to maximize the benefits of the project for all road users.

“This project is one of a kind and we commit to maintaining it well, ensuring it serves its intended purpose for its 100-year design lifespan,” Akankwasa said.

The Flyover projects handed over to KCCA

Another long-anticipated Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP) has taken a major step forward with the official signing of contracts for road works under its first phase in Kampala.

Under the first phase, a total of 19.85 kilometers of roads will be constructed, with the entire program targeting 74.5 kilometers.

The roads set for rehabilitation and upgrading include Nsambya Estate Road, Bemba Road, Cape Villas, and Wavamuno Road by UCA Insaat contractors; Kira Road by China Railway Seventh Group; Muganzirwaza, Mukalazi, Katalema, and Kyebando Roads by Multiplex; and Ntake and Kigobe Roads by BuildTrust Construction Ltd.

The contract signing ceremony, held in Kampala, was attended by key government officials, contractors, and stakeholders. The event marked the commencement of physical implementation of a project that has been in the pipeline since 2017.

State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, expressed satisfaction that some Ugandan companies had secured contracts under the project. He urged them to prove their competence and deliver high-quality work.

“I am happy that local companies have been given contracts under this project. Do your job and dispel the fallacy that Ugandan companies cannot deliver big projects,” Minister Kabuye said. “I want to see that 95% of the 74.5 kilometers of roads under this project are executed by Ugandan companies so that the money remains in our economy. However, ensure quality work.”

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago described the event as historic, emphasizing the project’s long-awaited transition from planning to execution. He urged contractors to adhere to the initial project reports and uphold efficiency.

“This is a result-oriented project, and financing and continued support will depend on your efficiency,” Lukwago stated. “We must appreciate the critical infrastructure challenges our city faces, and we demand value for money. Those responsible for supervision must ensure that the work is done effectively.”

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, reiterated the project’s importance, expressing gratitude to the Government of Uganda for fostering a stable environment that enables such developments. She also acknowledged the World Bank and the French Development Agency for their financial support.

“We are grateful to the government for ensuring peace, which makes these developments possible. We also appreciate the World Bank and the French Development Agency for financing this project,” Buzeki said. She further commended politicians for their role in mobilizing public support, particularly in acquiring the right of way for the roads.

Engineer Justus Akankwasa, KCCA’s Director for Engineering and Technical Services, provided a detailed overview of the project, revealing that seven contracts had been awarded—three for supervision and four for civil works.

He emphasized the need for strict adherence to environmental and social safeguard measures while urging contractors to ensure high-quality work and minimize disruptions to residents.

“This is a results-based project, and timely completion is crucial. We encourage contractors to work at night where possible and limit disruptive activities during the day,” Akankwasa said. “Traffic diversion plans must be communicated well in advance to avoid inconveniences.”

The GKMA-UDP encompasses not only Kampala but also other key areas such as Entebbe, Kira, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Mukono, Nansana, and the districts of Mukono, Mpigi, and Wakiso.

The program's focus areas include enhancing mobility and accessibility through road upgrades, bolstering urban resilience with drainage infrastructure, fostering job creation through workspace establishment, and strengthening institutional capacity for coordinated planning and investment in infrastructure.