By John Kusolo
In a post-budget discussion held on June 14, 2024, in Kampala, Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, made a bold claim. He stated that Uganda boasts the best upcountry road network in the region, a remark that has sparked a significant debate among various stakeholders.
One of the most vocal critics of Dr. Ggoobi's statement is Rt. Hon. Nasur Masaba, the Deputy Speaker of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Hon. Masaba openly questioned the validity of Dr. Ggoobi's claims, suggesting that the reality on the ground starkly contrasts with the optimistic portrayal given by the Permanent Secretary.
*The State of Kampala's Roads*
Kampala, Uganda's bustling capital city, is plagued by numerous infrastructure challenges, particularly concerning its road network. Potholes, traffic congestion, and poor drainage systems are some of the major issues that daily commuters face. Hon. Masaba pointed out that despite various promises and budget allocations over the years, there has been minimal tangible improvement in the city's road infrastructure.
"Every day, residents of Kampala are subjected to the nightmare of navigating through poorly maintained roads. The rainy seasons exacerbate the situation, with many roads becoming almost impassable due to flooding and mud. It's hard to reconcile these experiences with claims that we have the best road network," Hon. Masaba remarked.
*Upcountry Roads: A Mixed Bag*
While Dr. Ggoobi's assertion focuses on the upcountry road network, Hon. Masaba's critique extends beyond the capital to question the state of rural and regional roads as well. In many parts of Uganda, upcountry roads remain in a deplorable condition, often hindering economic activities and access to essential services.
Hon. Masaba argued that although there have been some improvements in certain areas, these are far from being uniformly distributed. "In some districts, roads have been upgraded and are relatively well-maintained. However, this is not the case for the majority of the country. Many rural areas are still struggling with dirt roads that become treacherous during the rainy season," he added.
Cost vs. Quality
A significant point of contention raised by Hon. Masaba is the cost-effectiveness of road construction and maintenance in Uganda. He suggested that while substantial funds are allocated for road projects, the quality of work often does not justify the expenditures. "Unless Dr. Ggoobi is referring to our roads being the best in terms of costliness, there is little evidence to support the claim of superior quality. Corruption, mismanagement, and substandard work have resulted in roads that do not withstand the test of time," he emphasized.
Hon. Masaba's remarks underscore the need for a thorough evaluation of Uganda's road infrastructure development strategies. He called for increased transparency and accountability in the use of public funds allocated for road projects. Additionally, he advocated for the adoption of more rigorous standards and oversight to ensure that road construction and maintenance meet the required quality.
In response to Dr. Ggoobi's optimistic outlook, Hon. Masaba urged the government to prioritize addressing the existing deficiencies in both urban and rural road networks. "It is crucial for us to focus on practical, on-the-ground improvements rather than merely presenting an overly positive picture. The true measure of progress is in the daily experiences of our citizens," he concluded.
The debate sparked by Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi's remarks about Uganda's road network highlights a critical issue that affects millions of Ugandans. While the government's efforts to improve infrastructure are commendable, the reality experienced by many suggests that there is still a long way to go. Hon. Nasur Masaba's critique serves as a reminder that true progress must be felt on the ground, ensuring that both urban and rural communities benefit from sustainable and high-quality road networks.
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