__*Allan Mayanja Ssebunya Raises Alarms Over Kampala's Road Infrastructure Crisis*
By John Kusolo
Kampala, Uganda – On June 12, 2024, the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) convened with officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to scrutinize the Auditor General's Report for the financial year ending June 30, 2023. The meeting brought to light several pressing issues, with a significant focus on the state of road infrastructure in Kampala. Hon.
Allan Mayanja Ssebunya, the Member of Parliament for Nakaseke Central, made a compelling submission that underscored the critical challenges faced by road users in the city.
The State of Kampala's Roads
Kampala’s roads have been in a deteriorating state for years, characterized by extensive potholes, poor drainage, and general disrepair. These conditions have severe repercussions for residents, including frequent traffic jams, increased vehicle maintenance costs, and heightened risks of accidents. The poor state of the roads hampers economic activities and degrades the quality of life for millions of commuters and businesses.
The Role of the Special Forces Command (SFC)
In an unusual move, the Special Forces Command (SFC), a military unit primarily responsible for the security of President Yoweri Museveni, has been involved in road repair activities in Kampala. This initiative by the SFC prompted Allan Mayanja Ssebunya to seek clarity from KCCA officials during the COSASE meeting. He inquired whether KCCA was satisfied with the SFC's performance in road repairs and sought to understand the chain of command regarding their involvement in such civic duties.
KCCA's Perspective
KCCA officials acknowledged the efforts of the SFC in addressing the road crisis. They commended the SFC's work but highlighted a dire financial reality. The officials revealed that, at the current rate of government funding, it would take an estimated 32 years to fully eliminate potholes in Kampala. This staggering timeline reflects the chronic underfunding and the immense scale of the city's infrastructure problems.
Key Points from Allan Mayanja Ssebunya's Submission
Evaluation of SFC's Role: Allan Mayanja Ssebunya raised concerns about the sustainability and appropriateness of a military unit handling a civilian infrastructure task. He emphasized the need for clear reporting lines and accountability for the SFC's involvement.
Critical Funding Shortfalls : Ssebunya criticized the current level of government funding for road infrastructure as grossly inadequate. He highlighted the unacceptable 32-year projection for ridding the city of potholes and called for a significant increase in budget allocations to expedite road repairs.
Need for Accountability and Oversight: Emphasizing transparency, Ssebunya urged for better oversight mechanisms to ensure that allocated funds are utilized effectively. He proposed the involvement of civilian oversight bodies to enhance the efficiency and accountability of road repair projects.
Impact on Daily Life: Ssebunya drew attention to the daily hardships faced by Kampala’s road users. He noted that the poor road conditions result in economic losses, increased vehicle maintenance costs, and a higher incidence of traffic accidents, all of which affect the city's overall productivity and safety.
Long-term Strategic Planning: He advocated for a comprehensive long-term strategy for road infrastructure development in Kampala. This strategy should incorporate modern construction techniques, sustainable materials, and innovative funding solutions, such as public-private partnerships, to ensure a robust and lasting improvement in the city’s roads.
Allan Mayanja Ssebunya’s submission at the COSASE meeting served as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to address Kampala’s road infrastructure crisis. His insights shed light on the severe underfunding and inefficiencies that plague the city’s road repair efforts. As the government and KCCA deliberate on the way forward, Ssebunya’s call for increased funding, better oversight, and strategic planning could be pivotal in driving the much-needed reforms and investments to revitalize Kampala’s road infrastructure.
The meeting underscored a critical issue that affects millions daily and highlighted the importance of concerted efforts and adequate resources to transform Kampala’s roadways, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for all.
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