Kampala, Uganda: President Museveni on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, officially flagged off the reconstruction of the Salaama–Munyonyo Road, a vital 8.1-kilometer stretch within Kampala’s road network, marking a significant milestone under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP).
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at Takajunge Village in Salaama, will see the road upgraded by China Railway 18th Bureau Group Co. Ltd., with works also covering the redevelopment of the Kulekaana Junction. The project is aimed at easing urban mobility and unlocking economic potential through improved infrastructure.
Speaking at the groundbreaking event alongside First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President welcomed the progress but emphasized that while infrastructure development is important, Uganda’s transformation hinges more critically on wealth creation at the household level.
“We’re happy to inspect this Salaama road, which will contribute to increasing Kampala’s tarmacked roads to over 900 km out of 1,200 km. However, roads alone don’t transform lives. You don’t sleep on tarmac; you sleep in your homes. What changes lives is wealth creation through household income,” Mr Museveni said.
The President highlighted the success of beneficiaries under government poverty eradication programs, citing Mrs. Fausta Nalweyiso of Kibumbiro, Busega, whose piggery project under the Parish Development Model (PDM) he praised as a shining example.
“Transformation isn’t about roads alone; it’s about people creating wealth at home. That’s how societies are changed,” Museveni emphasized.
He further elaborated on government policy shifts from centralized programs like NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) to community-driven models like PDM and Emyooga, which are designed to directly impact individuals and households.
“It was debated in Cabinet, but I stood firm. I’m glad PDM is now picking up. We must ensure the money reaches the right people,” he noted.
On concerns of mismanagement and theft of PDM funds, Museveni assured the public of further investigations and pledged to explore additional funding for urban parishes, recognizing the unique needs of urban communities. He hinted at a new policy intervention to provide specific funding for parish leaders, beyond the current PDM envelope.
The President also proposed tailored programs for urban youth, acknowledging their different challenges compared to rural populations.
Turning to political accountability, Museveni criticized urban voters for electing opposition politicians who he claimed neglect their responsibilities.
“The problem here is you elect MPs who don’t help you. I’ve never met your MPs; I don’t even know them,” Museveni said, citing his personal discovery of issues like Busega Market’s poor road connection.
“Why elect MPs who don’t help you solve these problems?” he asked.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki updated the President on the KCRRP’s progress, revealing that 32.9 km (37.93%) of the total 86.9 km project scope has been completed since the project’s launch in December 2022.
“Completed roads include Old Mubende, Kigala, Kabega, Wamala, Muteesa I, Luwafu, Kayemba, Muzito, Suuna II, and Masiro,” Buzeki reported. She added that the government plans to invest UGX 550 billion over the next three years to further upgrade 85 km of Kampala roads.
The Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to urban infrastructure development, while Makindye NRM leader Lukyamuzi Kakooza said the reconstruction would neutralize opposition criticism over the poor state of the road, particularly its link to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital.
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