Legislators have asked government to weigh in on the heavy road traffic experienced within the Kampala Metropolitan Area, which they say is affecting movement of goods and services.
According Hon. Dicksons Kateshumbwa (NRM, Sheema Municipality), ongoing road works have impeded the flow of traffic from areas outside Kampala towards the central business district (CBD).
“The majority of the country’s GDP comes from Kampala but in the last one week, it has been very difficult for business people to move from point to point,” he said.
He added that a good practice of infrastructure development around cities is to ensure continuity in terms of flow of traffic, which has not been met owing to delays in movements.
“We want the Prime Minister to tell us what measures are being put in place to ensure that there is continuity of traffic so that we have a seamless flow,” Kateshumbwa said.
His concerns come after Speaker Anita Among’s comments on the status roads in Kampala, while chairing the plenary sitting on Wednesday, 22 November 2023.
Among noted that owing to effects of climate change, heavy rains are cutting off many roads in the city due to floods, and also observed littering on many Kampala roads.
“We need to be responsible enough to have a smart city and as representatives of the people, we should take the lead in preaching environmental conservation. I am waiting for a report by the Physical Infrastructure Committee on the flooding in Kampala and building in trenches,” said the Speaker.
Hon. Nathan Byanyima (NRM, Bukanga North County) suggested that an inter-ministerial committee ought to be created to address the challenges of traffic jam in Kampala occasioned by road works.
“Ministers including those of Works and Transport together with UNRA, KCCA and others should get involved to put Kampala in a better shape,” said Byanyima.
Hon. Siraji Ezama (NRM, Aringa County) said Ministry of Works should consider working on main roads in Mukono and Wakiso districts, which feed into traffic flow in and out of Kampala city.
The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama told the House that alternative routes within the city have been availed to support continuity of traffic in Kampala, adding that, “I call on Members to bear with us.”
