KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces is set to take full control of Kampala’s roads budget in a major shift in the management of the city’s infrastructure, according to the Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The announcement follows heavy rains that recently triggered widespread flooding across parts of Kampala, leaving roads submerged and exposing long standing drainage challenges in the capital.
In a post shared on X on May 19, Gen. Muhoozi blamed the floods on what he described as “40 years of corruption in Kampala.” He also criticized former Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago over the city’s infrastructure problems.
“We had idiots like Lukwago for 25 years! That is changing now. UPDF is taking charge,” Gen. Muhoozi wrote.
Lukwago, who served as Kampala Lord Mayor for about 15 years before losing the recent election to Ronald Balimwezo, has frequently faced criticism over poor drainage systems, blocked water channels, wetland encroachment and slow infrastructure development in the city.
Under the new arrangement, the UPDF Engineering Brigade is expected to lead road construction, maintenance and drainage improvement projects in Kampala.
Supporters of the move say the military has previously demonstrated efficiency in infrastructure projects, including work on the Bukoto Kisalosalo Road, where residents praised the speed and quality of construction compared with civilian contractors.
Gen. Muhoozi’s allies in the Patriotic League of Uganda have defended the decision, arguing that military supervision will help eliminate corruption and improve service delivery within the city.
Some supporters on social media also called for the military to directly manage the funds without interference from civilian leaders.
Kampala has for years struggled with severe flooding during rainy seasons, largely blamed on poor drainage systems, unplanned settlements and the blockage of major waterways such as Nakivubo Channel.
The latest developments come shortly after the 2026 local elections, which ushered in new leadership at City Hall. Gen. Muhoozi and his supporters have promoted the military led intervention as part of broader efforts to transform Kampala into a modern and flood free city.
While some residents and ruling party supporters have welcomed the move, others have raised concerns about increasing military involvement in civilian government functions and public spending.
Questions also remain over the legal framework for the handover, funding channels and how the UPDF will coordinate with Kampala’s new political leadership.
The directive expands the military’s growing role in public infrastructure projects and positions the UPDF as a central player in efforts to address Kampala’s chronic road and drainage problems.
