President Museveni has issued a stern warning to local government officials over the mismanagement of Shs1.3 billion allocated for road maintenance in districts, cities, and municipalities.
Speaking during the national budget reading at Kololo Independence Grounds on Thursday, Museveni expressed frustration over the deteriorating state of feeder roads despite the annual disbursement of substantial funds to local governments.
“I was in Kakumiro yesterday and witnessed the poor state of feeder roads. What are you using the Shs1.3 billion for?” Museveni asked.
“I’m going to quietly send spies to inspect these roads, and if I find that government officials have not done their job, I will go for them.”
The President cautioned Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), and Town Clerks that they will be held personally accountable for any misuse or misallocation of the road maintenance funds.
“If the Shs1.3 billion is not enough, why don’t you say so?” Museveni said, citing Bunyangabu District, where part of the funds was reportedly used for constructing new bridges—an activity not covered under the current allocation.
“This money is meant for maintaining existing roads, not starting new projects. If I find that the funds have been misused, there will be consequences—including arrests,” he warned.
Museveni also urged citizens to elect leaders who are committed to oversight and transparency rather than those who rely on voter bribery.
“So much money has been provided—some of it from loans. MPs and local leaders must follow up and ensure it is used for its intended purpose,” he said.
While political heads in local governments have repeatedly appealed for increased road funding, citing the inadequacy of the Shs1.3 billion, it remains unclear whether these concerns have been effectively communicated to the central government.
Some districts have also diverted parts of the fund to set up new administrative headquarters following the creation of new cities, further straining road maintenance budgets.
For the financial year 2025/26, the road infrastructure sector has been allocated Shs4.28 trillion to complete various road and bridge projects across the country.
However, the President insists that without strict accountability, even increased funding will not translate into improved infrastructure.