Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has once again stirred national debate after declaring that the entire budget for roads in Kampala will now fall under his control through the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) office. The statement, which quickly spread across social media platforms, has generated mixed reactions from political leaders, city residents, and analysts.
In his remarks, Gen. Muhoozi stated, “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.” The strong declaration immediately drew public attention because of the growing frustration among Kampala residents over the poor condition of roads in the capital city.
For years, Kampala has struggled with damaged roads, potholes, poor drainage systems, and delayed road repairs. During rainy seasons, many roads become almost impassable, affecting businesses, transport, and daily movement within the city. Residents have repeatedly accused authorities of mismanaging funds meant for road construction and maintenance.
Gen. Muhoozi’s statement appears to signal a major shift in how infrastructure projects in Kampala could be managed in the future. Many supporters believe his involvement may introduce stricter supervision, faster implementation, and greater accountability in the use of public funds.
Some citizens welcomed the announcement, arguing that Kampala’s road crisis requires bold intervention. They say the current system has failed for many years, leaving taxpayers frustrated while billions of shillings are reportedly spent without visible improvements on the ground.
Others, however, raised concerns about the implications of placing such responsibilities under military leadership. Critics questioned whether the management of civilian infrastructure projects should be directly controlled by the office of the Chief of Defence Forces.
Political commentators noted that the declaration highlights Gen. Muhoozi’s growing influence beyond military affairs. In recent years, he has increasingly commented on national governance, anti-corruption efforts, urban planning, and political leadership.
The issue of corruption in road construction has remained a sensitive topic in Uganda for a long time. Several projects have faced accusations of inflated costs, shoddy work, delayed completion, and misuse of public resources. Many Kampala residents believe corruption is one of the biggest reasons why roads continue to deteriorate despite heavy government spending.
Gen. Muhoozi has recently positioned himself as a strong critic of corruption and inefficiency within public institutions. His latest statement about controlling the Kampala road budget appears to align with his broader message of fighting misuse of public funds and ensuring better service delivery.
Some observers believe the declaration could also increase pressure on contractors who have previously benefited from government projects without delivering quality work. If implemented, tighter control over procurement and supervision may significantly change how road contracts are awarded in Kampala.
Business owners within the city have repeatedly complained about the impact of poor roads on economic activity. Traffic congestion, vehicle damage, flooding, and transport delays have affected productivity and increased operational costs for many companies.
Taxi operators, boda boda riders, and private motorists are among the groups most affected by Kampala’s road conditions. Many spend large amounts of money on vehicle repairs caused by potholes and poorly maintained roads. Some drivers have even abandoned certain routes because of severe road damage.
Urban planners argue that Kampala’s infrastructure challenges require long-term planning, proper drainage systems, and strict enforcement against illegal construction in wetlands. Without comprehensive reforms, experts warn that road repairs alone may not solve the city’s transport problems.
The announcement has also sparked debate within political circles. Some leaders see the move as a sign of decisive leadership aimed at solving long-standing urban challenges. Others fear it may create institutional conflicts between city authorities, ministries, and security agencies.
Despite the controversy, many ordinary Ugandans say their main concern is results. Some residents expressed hope that stronger oversight could finally lead to durable roads and better infrastructure within the capital.
Social media platforms have since been flooded with reactions from citizens, with some praising Gen. Muhoozi for taking direct action while others questioned how the new arrangement would operate legally and administratively.
Analysts believe the statement reflects increasing public anger over corruption and poor accountability in infrastructure projects. Kampala residents have for years demanded visible improvements, especially considering the large sums allocated to road construction and maintenance.
Meanwhile, government officials are expected to provide further clarification regarding how the proposed control of the road budget will be implemented. Questions remain about the role of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Ministry of Works, and other agencies responsible for infrastructure development.
For Gen. Muhoozi, the declaration further strengthens his image as a leader determined to confront inefficiency and corruption head-on. His recent statements on governance and accountability continue to shape national discussions and attract widespread public attention.
Whether the proposal will lead to major improvements in Kampala’s roads remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the debate over accountability, corruption, and infrastructure management in Uganda’s capital has now entered a new and highly controversial chapter.
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