Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has once again sparked a major public debate after making strong comments about road construction projects in Kampala. Through a social media post that quickly went viral, the Chief of Defence Forces praised the work done by the UPDF Engineering Brigade on the Bukoto–Kisalosalo Road and suggested that the entire roads budget for Kampala should be handed over to the military.
According to Gen. Muhoozi, the road project was completed within just four months despite operating on what he described as a small budget. He argued that the biggest challenge affecting infrastructure projects in Uganda is “robbery,” a word many interpreted as referring to corruption, misuse of public funds, and inflated project costs that have affected government projects for years.
His comments immediately attracted attention from Ugandans online, with many people sharing different opinions about the growing role of the military in public infrastructure projects. Some praised the UPDF for working faster than civilian contractors, while others questioned whether military involvement in such projects should continue expanding.
The Bukoto–Kisalosalo Road project itself has become one of the most talked-about road rehabilitation projects in Kampala in recent months. Residents who had spent years struggling with potholes, dust, mud, and poor drainage say the ongoing works have already transformed the area and improved movement for both motorists and pedestrians.
Before the rehabilitation started, many business owners along the road were facing serious challenges. Customers often avoided the area because of the terrible condition of the road. During rainy seasons, movement became nearly impossible as vehicles got stuck in mud while pedestrians struggled to pass through flooded sections.
For many traders, the poor road network was slowly destroying businesses that had taken years to build. Shops, restaurants, and small businesses reportedly lost customers daily because people preferred avoiding the route altogether. Some business owners feared they would eventually close down permanently if nothing changed.
Among those who publicly spoke about the situation was Johny Mallick, the proprietor of Tohfa Restaurant and Bar in Bukoto. He explained that the poor state of the road had badly affected his business for almost two years. According to him, customer numbers dropped sharply because accessing the area had become difficult and frustrating.
The rehabilitation project later began under the supervision of the UPDF Engineering Brigade following a directive from the Chief of Defence Forces. Since then, construction activities have moved at a pace that many residents describe as impressive compared to previous government road projects they had witnessed.
As construction continued, many people living and working around Bukoto and Kisalosalo started noticing positive changes. Dust levels reduced, traffic movement improved, and businesses slowly began recovering as more customers returned to the area. Residents also expressed hope that the road would finally improve drainage and reduce flooding problems.
Gen. Muhoozi’s latest remarks therefore came at a time when public opinion around the project was already gaining momentum. Supporters of the UPDF Engineering Brigade quickly used the road as an example of how government projects can be completed efficiently when managed properly and without unnecessary delays.
Several social media users supported the idea of giving more infrastructure responsibilities to the military. They argued that the UPDF has shown discipline, faster execution of projects, and better use of resources compared to some civilian contractors accused of delaying projects while demanding additional funding.
Others pointed to previous government projects that consumed billions of shillings yet took many years to complete. For such supporters, Gen. Muhoozi’s comments reflected the frustrations many Ugandans already have regarding corruption and wastage in public infrastructure projects.
However, not everyone agreed with his proposal. Critics argued that road construction and infrastructure management should remain under civilian institutions responsible for public works and urban planning. They warned that handing over too many civilian responsibilities to the military could weaken democratic systems and reduce accountability.
Some analysts also noted that civilian institutions can still deliver quality work if corruption is properly addressed and project supervision is strengthened. According to such views, the real issue may not necessarily be whether projects are managed by civilians or the military, but whether there is transparency and proper monitoring of public funds.
Despite the mixed reactions, one thing remains clear — the Bukoto–Kisalosalo Road project has become a symbol of growing public frustration over corruption in Uganda’s infrastructure sector. For years, Ugandans have complained about roads being constructed at very high costs yet deteriorating within a short period of time.
Many citizens believe taxpayers deserve better value for money, especially at a time when the country continues to borrow heavily to finance infrastructure development. This is why Gen. Muhoozi’s comments resonated strongly with sections of the public who feel tired of incomplete projects and endless road repairs.
At the same time, some observers believe the debate could influence future government decisions regarding infrastructure development in Kampala and other parts of the country. The performance of the UPDF Engineering Brigade on current projects may increasingly shape public perception about who should handle major government construction works.
Residents living near the Bukoto–Kisalosalo Road remain mostly focused on the practical results they are already seeing. Many say they care less about political debates and more about having good roads, improved transport, and better business opportunities in their communities.
Taxi operators, boda boda riders, and private motorists have also welcomed the improvements. Several drivers say the condition of the road had previously increased vehicle repair costs due to constant damage caused by potholes and poor surfaces. The ongoing rehabilitation has therefore brought relief to many transport operators.
Business owners are equally optimistic that the improved road will attract more customers and investment into the area. Some traders say they are already seeing signs of recovery as movement becomes easier and people regain confidence in accessing businesses along the route.
As the debate continues across the country, Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks have once again placed national attention on the wider issue of accountability in public projects. Whether or not the government eventually increases the UPDF’s role in road construction, many Ugandans now expect faster delivery, transparency, and better quality from all infrastructure projects funded by taxpayers.
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