President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Salaama–Munyonyo Road, a vital artery in Kampala’s road network.
The ceremony, held at Takajunge Village in Salaama, marks another milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade urban infrastructure and enhance service delivery.
The 8.1-kilometre road project, being undertaken by China Railway 18th Bureau Group Co. Ltd., also includes the redevelopment of Kulekaana Junction under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP).
Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, President Museveni commended the project’s progress but reminded Ugandans that infrastructure development is just one part of Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.
“We are happy to inspect this Salaama Road, which is part of a larger project expanding Kampala’s tarmac road network to over 900 km out of 1,200 km,” the President said. “However, as I always remind you, roads alone don’t transform lives — it is household wealth creation that truly changes livelihoods.”
Highlighting the importance of grassroots economic empowerment, President Museveni cited Mrs. Fausta Nalweyiso of Kibumbiro, Busega, whose piggery enterprise under the Parish Development Model (PDM) serves as a model for community-level wealth creation.
“This is what transforming society looks like,” he said, emphasising that wealth creation benefits both individuals and the wider economy through job creation and self-reliance.
The President underscored the government’s deliberate focus on wealth creation through various programs — from Entandikwa, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), NAADS, to the current PDM and Emyooga. He explained the shift from centrally managed interventions to community-based models like PDM to ensure more direct beneficiary impact.
“It was a tough debate in Cabinet, but I stood my ground. I am pleased to hear that PDM is now gaining traction,” Museveni noted.
Addressing concerns about mismanagement of PDM funds, he pledged to investigate reported cases and acknowledged the need for increased funding in densely populated urban areas. He hinted at new policy measures, including a separate funding envelope to support local leaders at the parish level.
“I don’t want to see leaders — regardless of political affiliation — fighting over the 100 million shillings meant for the people. We shall add resources both for parishes and their leaders,” the President said. He further proposed tailored interventions to support urban youth, acknowledging the distinct challenges they face compared to rural communities.
On political accountability, Museveni criticised Kampala voters for electing opposition leaders who he said do not effectively advocate for their communities.
“The problem in this town is electing opposition MPs who don’t follow up on your issues. I haven’t met your MPs — I don’t even know them,” he said, citing Busega Market’s lack of road access from the Northern Bypass as an example of neglected constituency needs.
“How would I know there’s no road if no one tells me? Why elect MPs who don’t help you?” he asked.
He urged citizens to hold their leaders accountable to ensure their communities’ needs are addressed.
Project Status Update
According to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the contractor began work on May 14, 2024, and has so far completed 2.4 km of asphalt laying. The entire project is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025.
KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, reported that since the launch of the KCRRP on December 5, 2022, 32.9 km (37.93%) of the total 86.9 km project has been completed. Key roads already delivered include Old Mubende, Kigala, Kabega, Wamala, Muteesa I, Luwafu, Kayemba, Muzito, Suuna II, and Masiro.
She revealed that over the next three years, the government plans to inject UGX 550 billion into upgrading a further 85 km of city roads, improvements expected to boost Kampala’s economic activity and integrate more communities into the money economy.
Government’s Commitment to Urban Development
The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising urban infrastructure.
Local NRM leaders, including Makindye Chairperson Lukyamuzi Kakooza, welcomed the project, noting that the poor state of Salaama Road had been weaponised by the opposition for political gain.
“This road, up to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, had become a national issue, with opposition voices accusing the government of endangering patients’ lives,” Kakooza said.
Other officials present included: Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs; Hon. Rosemary Sseninde, NRM Director for Mobilisation; Ms. Asiimwe Jane Muhindo, Kampala RCC; Ms. Sarah Kanyike, Presidential Advisor for Kampala and District chairpersons from Kampala and surrounding areas.
