President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, officially launched the reconstruction of the Salaama–Munyonyo road, a critical infrastructure project aimed at easing transport in Kampala.
The president highlighted that his government remains focused on improving the lives of Ugandans through poverty eradication and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
During the event on July 15, 2025, President Museveni praised the success story of Mrs. Fausta Nalweyiso from Kibumbiro in Busega. She runs a piggery business that was supported by the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM), a program designed to empower local communities.
“This is what we want to see in every household, transforming society means empowering individuals like Mrs. Nalweyiso,” President Museveni said.
The President explained that wealth creation is crucial in reducing dependency on government support, adding that initiatives like the PDM and Emyooga are vital tools to drive direct citizen empowerment.
These programs mark a shift from central management to community-based models, which he believes are more efficient and accessible. “It was a difficult decision, but I stood my ground on this. I’m glad PDM is starting to make a real difference,” the president shared.
While President Museveni expressed satisfaction with the progress of PDM, he acknowledged the challenges of fund mismanagement and promised an investigation.
President Museveni also suggested creating a separate funding stream for local leaders at the parish level to avoid competition over the funds intended for the people.
In a move to address the unique needs of urban youth, President Museveni announced plans for new programs tailored to tackle the economic struggles specific to city dwellers.
The President also took the opportunity to criticize urban voters for electing opposition politicians who, in his view, fail to advocate for meaningful community development. He cited poor road access to Busega Market as an example and called on voters to hold their leaders accountable for local issues.
The President also touched on the progress of the Kampala Capital City Roads Rehabilitation Program (KCRRP), which aims to upgrade roads across the city.
KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, reported that 32.9 km of the planned 86.9 km have been completed since the program’s launch in December 2022. Notable roads completed include Old Mubende, Kigala, and Kabega roads.
Over the next three years, the government plans to invest Shs 550 billion to upgrade an additional 85 km of city roads, which is expected to improve access to businesses and enhance overall city connectivity.
The event also saw local leaders from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) show their support for the project. Makindye Division Chairperson, Lukyamuzi Kakooza, emphasized the significance of the road, noting that its deteriorated state had become a major political issue for opposition leaders.
“This road to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital had become a national issue, with the opposition criticizing the government for endangering the lives of patients,” Kakooza remarked.
The government’s commitment to modernizing Kampala’s infrastructure was reaffirmed by other prominent figures, including Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, and Presidential Advisor for Kampala, Ms. Sarah Kanyike.
With the project scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025, the Salaama–Munyonyo road upgrade is expected to ease access to health facilities, reduce transport costs, and enhance the overall connectivity of the city, making Kampala more economically vibrant.
