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Shift Media News 
KAMPALA, Uganda March 15 [SHIFTMEDIA] When the government embarks on infrastructure development, the expectation is that these projects will bring growth, ease transportation, and improve livelihoods. However, in many cases, road construction comes with both benefits and drawbacks for the local communities. CoST Uganda (Infrastructure Transparency Initiative) in partnership with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), recently organized community dialogues (Baraza’s) in Nakawa, Rubaga, and Makindye divisions to gather firsthand accounts of how these projects impact the people.
Promises and Disruptions: Nakawa Division’s Perspective
In Nakawa Division, the ongoing reconstruction and dualling of the 10.01km Port-Bell and Spring Roads, funded by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) at a cost of USD 37,788,997, has been met with mixed reactions. At a Baraza held at Mbuya II Community Hall, residents expressed gratitude for the development but lamented the lack of prior consultation.
“We appreciate the road works, but most often, we are not consulted. One day, we just wake up to find graders and loaders starting work. The dust affects our businesses,” said Shamin Kakeeto, a resident of Mbuya II.
Nakawa Mayor Paul Mugambe acknowledged the residents’ concerns but emphasized the long-term benefits of good roads. “With good roads, our citizens can easily access schools and markets,” he stated, calling for more collaboration between the government and communities.
A Price Too High? The Rubaga Division Experience
In Rubaga, the upgrading of the Kabuusu-Bunamwaya-Lweza road (8.06km) was completed under the World Bank -funded Kampala Institutional and Infrastructure Development Project (KIIDP2) at a cost of USD 26,515,560. The project has significantly improved transport in the area, but not without consequences.
At a Baraza held at St. Luke Church of Uganda in Kitebi on March 14, 2025, residents raised several grievances. “We are grateful for the road construction. Before, we were choking in dust. But now, we are losing people daily due to the speed humps and poorly designed access roads,” said Mutebi Hakim from Kabaawo zone.
Christine Namusoke, another resident, shared how prolonged construction forced businesses to shut down due to excessive dust. “People have lost homes because they couldn’t withstand the dust. Some were not compensated for the land they gave up for the project,” she added.
Mugabe Innocent, a resident of Nalukolongo, pointed out the inadequacies in drainage construction, which have worsened flooding in Wamala Road. The area chairperson of Kilokole Zone, Mutunduwe parish, issued a grim warning: “Residents are already preparing for the rainy season by buying hoes and mattocks—not for farming, but for digging graves to bury flood victims.”
Rubaga Urban Division Mayor, Mberazze Zacchy Mawula, assured residents that KCCA would follow up on their concerns. Olive Kabatwairwe, CoST Regional Manager for Africa, urged residents to actively monitor government projects. “You have a right to demand accountability and transparency. These projects affect you directly,” she emphasized.
Makindye Division: Struggles with Low Engagement and Compensation Issues
The Government of Uganda funded the upgrade of Mobutu II Road in Makindye Division at USD 1,075,164.15. The project, which commenced in October 2023, has been completed, yet challenges persist.
At a Baraza held at the Mayor’s Garden, Omulongo Wasswa Khalid Masasi, the LC II Chairperson, decried the low community turn-up at the meeting. “It is unfortunate that our people don’t value these meetings. This is where they should voice their concerns about government projects,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Joseph Bbaale Bwanika noted that road projects in Makindye have been long overdue. “With over 450,000 residents, our division has struggled with bad roads for years,” he said, citing the difficult negotiations with residents over land acquisition. “Many refuse to release their land for road construction because they suspect leaders of corruption. Others suffer due to dust, but in the end, property values rise, and business improves once the roads are completed.”
Sarah Musoke, a businesswoman, shared a pragmatic view: “We suffer during construction—losing businesses, falling sick due to dust—but after the roads are done, we benefit. Rent prices go up, and people prefer living in areas with paved roads.”
Resident City Commissioner for Makindye, Doreen Keita, urged leaders to ensure communities are consulted before construction begins. “This is a governance issue. Consultation should be a mandatory process,” she stressed.
Lessons from the Baraza’s: A Call for Transparency and Engagement
From Nakawa to Rubaga and Makindye, one thing is clear: road construction is a double-edged sword. While it brings economic and social benefits, the challenges—dust, displacement, lack of consultation, and safety concerns—are equally significant.
Geoffrey Odong, CoST Uganda’s Manager, reiterated the importance of civic participation. “Our role is to empower citizens to demand transparency and accountability. Government projects should serve the people, not inconvenience them,” he said.
The takeaway from these Baraza’s is that community involvement should not be an afterthought. Development projects, especially those as disruptive as road construction, require proper engagement with local residents. Their voices matter, and their grievances must be addressed to ensure that progress does not come at the expense of their well-being.
