Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and the President’s son, has placed Kampala’s road and drainage systems under direct military control, blaming persistent flooding in the capital on decades of corruption and mismanagement. Speaking in a public address, Muhoozi said, “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.”
The army chief emphasized that the persistent urban floods are not a natural disaster but the direct consequence of years of negligence, poor planning, and illegal encroachment on wetlands. Muhoozi insisted that the capital’s infrastructure has suffered from systemic corruption that has allowed politicians and contractors to exploit public funds.
According to Gen Muhoozi, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has long failed in its duty to maintain drainage systems, allowing construction in wetlands and other natural water channels. “When you allow thieves to never build drainage systems in Kampala for 40 years, then you allow them to build in God’s natural drainage system—the wetlands! Why wouldn’t Kampala flood?” he questioned.
The CDF declared that the UPDF will now directly manage the city’s roads and drainage infrastructure, with the military deciding which projects will be executed, who will build them, and how funds will be allocated. This unprecedented move signals a shift in control from civilian authorities to the army.
He specifically criticized Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, claiming that his 25-year tenure contributed to the city’s current state of infrastructural decay. “We had idiots like Lukwago for 25 years! That is over,” Muhoozi said. The statement is likely to intensify political tensions in the capital.
Muhoozi argued that stopping the floods requires a combination of competent management, accountability, and strong enforcement, something he claims the UPDF is uniquely positioned to provide. He stressed that corruption has been the central obstacle preventing effective urban planning and disaster prevention.
The army chief highlighted that decades of mismanaged urban expansion, lack of proper drainage systems, and illegal constructions in flood-prone areas have worsened the city’s vulnerability during rainy seasons. “This is not just poor engineering; it is theft disguised as governance,” he said.
He assured residents that the UPDF will oversee all ongoing and future infrastructure projects in Kampala, vowing that projects will no longer be used as opportunities for embezzlement. According to him, transparency and efficiency will now be central to urban development in the city.
Observers note that the military takeover of city infrastructure is unusual in Uganda’s governance system, where urban planning and road maintenance have traditionally been the responsibility of civilian institutions like KCCA and the Ministry of Works.
The CDF further warned that anyone attempting to obstruct or manipulate the new system will face strict consequences. “Stealing from Kampala will now be equivalent to stealing from Jesus Christ. They will pay,” Muhoozi declared.
He also urged citizens and government officials to cooperate fully with the UPDF in order to ensure smooth execution of projects and prevent further corruption. According to Muhoozi, collaboration with the public is essential for the success of the military-led initiatives.
Muhoozi’s intervention comes after repeated flooding in Kampala during rainy seasons, which has caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Experts attribute the floods to blocked drainage channels, wetland encroachment, and poorly planned urbanization.
Political analysts say Muhoozi’s statements signal a growing influence of the military in civilian governance, with the UPDF now directly involved in administrative and infrastructure matters that were previously under elected officials.
The army chief also blamed successive administrations for failing to hold corrupt officials accountable, allowing decades of mismanagement to persist. He stressed that accountability will now be enforced with an iron fist.
Residents of Kampala have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement. While some welcome decisive action to prevent flooding, others are concerned about militarization of civil services and the bypassing of elected representatives.
The military takeover of road projects also raises questions about budget allocation and oversight. Experts suggest that careful monitoring will be required to ensure funds are used efficiently and corruption is minimized.
Muhoozi’s statement also comes amid broader anti-corruption campaigns under “Operation Maliza Ufisadi,” which have seen high-ranking officials investigated and public funds recovered. The road and drainage initiative appears to be an extension of this wider effort.
In his speech, the CDF stressed that the ultimate goal is to protect citizens, improve infrastructure, and restore order to Kampala’s urban systems. He insisted that corruption has long been the root cause of recurring urban crises.
Observers note that the UPDF’s direct involvement in Kampala’s infrastructure represents a significant shift in governance philosophy, with military oversight replacing civilian management in key urban services.
Finally, Muhoozi reiterated that Kampala’s transformation will require discipline, accountability, and cooperation. He warned that failure to comply with the new directives will not be tolerated. “We will not allow theft and incompetence to continue. UPDF is in charge, and things will change,” he concluded.
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