Muhoozi takes control of Kampala roads budget, warns contractors over poor work
The army commander warned contractors against shoddy work, saying strict accountability measures would be enforced for any poorly executed road projects. “If I see a pothole after we have paid for construction of a road, that contractor will pay with his head,” he added.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba has declared that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will take direct oversight of road construction and maintenance in Kampala as part of efforts to eliminate corruption and improve the city’s infrastructure.
In a strongly worded statement, Gen. Muhoozi said the entire budget for roads in Kampala would be placed under his control as Chief of Defence Forces, adding that he would personally determine which contractors handle road construction and repair works.
“I shall say one more thing today. The entire budget for roads in Kampala will be under my control (CDF). I will determine who builds and repairs roads,” Muhoozi stated.
The army commander warned contractors against shoddy work, saying strict accountability measures would be enforced for any poorly executed road projects.
“If I see a pothole after we have paid for construction of a road, that contractor will pay with his head,” he added.
Muhoozi said Kampala residents are beginning to understand the seriousness of the military’s approach toward public service delivery and infrastructure management.
“Kampala will have the best roads and pavements in Africa,” he declared.
The CDF also blamed the persistent flooding crisis in Kampala on decades of corruption and poor urban management, criticizing former city leadership for what he described as prolonged failure to address drainage and infrastructure challenges.
“Floods in Kampala have been caused by 40 years of corruption in the city. We had idiots like Lukwago for 25 years! That is changing now. UPDF is taking charge,” Muhoozi said, referring to former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
The remarks come amid growing concerns over deteriorating roads, traffic congestion, and recurring floods in Kampala, especially during heavy rains.
Analysts say the military’s increasing involvement in civilian infrastructure and urban management signals a broader expansion of the UPDF’s role beyond traditional security operations.
Government officials have in recent years increasingly deployed military-led interventions in sectors including road construction, border infrastructure, disaster response, and public works implementation.
However, the latest remarks are likely to generate debate over institutional mandates, urban governance, and the growing role of the military in managing civilian functions traditionally overseen by local authorities and government agencies.
