KAMPALA — The reconstruction of the Salaama–Munyonyo Road, a vital artery within Kampala’s road network, officially kicked off today with a groundbreaking ceremony. The event, held at Takajunge Village in Salaama, marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade city infrastructure and improve service delivery.
The 8.1-kilometer road project, being executed by China Railway 18th Bureau Group Co. Ltd., also includes the redevelopment of Kulekaana Junction. It falls under the broader Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP).
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, officiated the ceremony. The President commended the progress, reiterating that such infrastructure developments are just one part of Uganda’s broader transformation agenda.
While acknowledging the importance of improved roads in boosting economic activity and urban mobility, the President cautioned against viewing them as an end in themselves.
“We’re happy to inspect this Salaama road, which is part of a bigger project that will increase Kampala’s tarmac road coverage to over 900 km out of 1,200 km,” President Museveni said. “This is a good effort, but as I keep telling you, you don’t sleep on tarmac roads; you sleep in your houses. Roads are part of development, but we must emphasize wealth creation and household income.”
The President used the occasion to highlight individuals benefiting from government poverty eradication programs, citing Mrs. Fausta Nalweyiso of Kibumbiro in Busega, whose piggery project under the Parish Development Model (PDM) was praised as a shining example of grassroots wealth creation.
“That’s what we would like to see in all homesteads. When we talk about transforming society, this is what we mean,” he stated.
President Museveni also emphasized that wealth creation isn’t only about individual prosperity but also job creation. He noted that the government has consistently integrated wealth creation into its national budgeting, referencing previous programs like Entandikwa, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), NAADS, and now the PDM and Emyooga. He explained the shift to more community-based models due to past inefficiencies.
“It was a big debate in Cabinet, but I stood my ground. I’m very happy to hear that the PDM is starting to pick up and doing very well,” the President said.
Acknowledging concerns, the President promised to investigate issues related to theft and mismanagement of PDM funds. He noted that while funds are being disbursed, they remain insufficient in densely populated urban areas and pledged to consider increased funding, hinting at a new policy for separate funding for local leaders in parishes.
“I don’t want to see our leaders, or even those from other political parties, fighting over the 100 million shillings meant for the people. We shall add money for the parish, with additional funding for the leaders,” he said.
The President further proposed starting specific programs for urban youth, recognizing their distinct challenges compared to rural communities.
Regarding political leadership and accountability, President Museveni blamed urban voters for what he described as poor electoral choices.
“The problem you have in this town is electing opposition politicians who don’t help you. They don’t follow up,” President Museveni said. “I have not had a meeting with your MPs. I don’t even know them.” He cited the example of Busega Market, which lacked a proper connecting road. “Why should people elect MPs who don’t help them?” he asked, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable.
Works on the road began on May 14, 2024, with 2.4 km of asphalt laying completed so far. The entire stretch is projected to be finished by December 31, 2025.
A status update on the broader KCRRP initiative, under which Salaama Road is being reconstructed, indicates that 32.9 km, or 37.93% of the total 86.9 km project scope, have been completed since its launch on December 5, 2022.
Key roads already delivered under this program include Old Mubende, Kigala, Kabega, Wamala, Muteesa I, Luwafu, Kayemba, Muzito, Suuna II, and Masiro roads.
The government plans to inject UGX 550 billion into the continued upgrade of 85 km of city roads over the next three years, expecting these improvements to significantly boost economic activity and transition communities into the money economy.
Government officials also reaffirmed the commitment to urban development.
Local leaders welcomed the project, noting that the poor condition of Salaama Road had been a political issue for opposition groups.
“This road up to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital had become a national issue, with the opposition using it to criticize the government for endangering the lives of patients,” a local leader said.
Other key officials in attendance included the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs; NRM Director for Mobilization; Kampala RCC; and Presidential Advisor for Kampala. District chairpersons from Kampala and surrounding areas also attended.
