Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has not collected outdoor advertising revenue since April 2020 because of a prolonged legal dispute, prompting MPs to demand a solution as billboards and digital advertising screens continue to expand across the capital.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki disclosed the revenue gap on Wednesday while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).
She was responding to issues raised by the Auditor General in KCCA’s 2024/2025 audit.
MPs questioned why outdoor advertising companies continue to earn money from businesses while KCCA receives no revenue from billboards, digital screens and other advertising structures.
A member of the committee said the dispute had dragged on for too long and should be treated as a matter of national importance.
He called for an administrative solution involving the relevant institutions, including the Judiciary, to allow KCCA to resume collections. COSASE Deputy Chairperson also called for support to resolve the dispute.
“Outdoor is a journey. We have been moving between court and now. We have not been collecting revenue since April 2020,” Buzeki told MPs.
KCCA previously collected outdoor advertising fees until the National Outdoor Advertising Contractors Association (NOACA) challenged the charges in court.
Following a 2020 court ruling, KCCA consulted the Solicitor General and worked through its Authority Council to develop a new legal framework. This resulted in the Kampala Capital City (Outdoor Advertising) Ordinance, 2025.
However, NOACA returned to court when KCCA sought to implement new advertising rates.
In September 2025, the High Court upheld KCCA’s mandate to regulate outdoor advertising and collect fees under the ordinance. It, however, suspended some rates after finding some increases unreasonable.
KCCA and the advertisers then agreed to review the charges.
“We agreed with them to a consent judgment and agreed to review the rates with their input. We have fast-tracked this exercise,” Ms Buzeki said.
The Authority Council has since approved revised rates, which will be submitted to the Solicitor General for approval.
The charges will depend on the size, location and type of advertising structure, as well as how long an advertisement remains on display.
“Since 2020, KCCA has not been getting revenue from outdoor advertising. We need to quickly pass it so that we get this revenue as the Authority,” Buzeki said.
She said the money could support city services and infrastructure.
