MPs Demand More Funding for KCCA Roads, Drainage

Members of Parliament on the Physical Infrastructure Committee have asked government to increase funding to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), saying current allocations under the Uganda Road Fund (URF) are too low to handle the city’s growing road and drainage needs.

The lawmakers raised the concern on March 24, 2026, as KCCA officials appeared before the committee to present the status of road and drainage infrastructure in Kampala. The team was led by the State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye.

Kyofatogabye told the committee that KCCA needs at least Shs 55 billion each year to properly maintain roads and drainage systems. He said this would support routine and periodic maintenance of about 700 kilometres of paved roads and 500 kilometres of gravel roads, as well as drainage works.

Funds from the URF also cover other activities. These include bridge maintenance, road safety works such as signage and markings, traffic control, street lighting, junction maintenance and servicing of equipment.

MPs, however, said the current funding is far below what is required. They argued that allocating about Shs 10 billion to maintain more than 2,000 kilometres of roads is unrealistic. They urged government to significantly raise KCCA’s funding.

Lawmakers also pointed to poor drainage as a major problem affecting roads. They said water remains the biggest threat to road infrastructure. Nearly 60 per cent of URF funds are spent on clearing drainage channels instead of addressing the root causes of flooding.

Some MPs proposed increasing funding to as much as Shs 100 billion to improve both road maintenance and drainage systems.

Committee chairperson Dan Kimosho praised KCCA for continuing to deliver services despite limited resources.

KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki said the authority needs at least Shs 55 billion annually for road maintenance alone. She said the current allocation limits KCCA’s ability to meet infrastructure demands.

“If we have a better allocation under the Road Fund, we will be able to address more roads and improve drainage systems across the city,” Buzeki said.

She added that KCCA is investing in infrastructure, including drainage upgrades in flood-prone areas. She said more funding is needed to sustain progress and reduce flooding.

Legislators also called for public cooperation. They warned that dumping waste in drainage channels worsens flooding and undermines government efforts.

Despite the challenges, MPs stressed that Kampala remains central to Uganda’s economy and needs sustained investment.