The Mayor of Kira Municipality, Julius Mutebi, has called on the central government to prioritise local government leaders when implementing national projects, arguing that this would ensure smoother operations and better service delivery.
He made the remarks during the signing of contracts for the construction of three major roads, a milestone project worth approximately Shs100 billion aimed at improving livelihoods and boosting economic activity in one of Uganda’s fastest-growing municipalities. According to last year’s population estimates, Kira now hosts more than 500,000 residents, making infrastructure expansion urgent and essential.
The three roads to be constructed include the 6.5km Bweyogerere–Buto–Namugongo Road, the 1.3km Kikonko–Namanve Road, and the 3.5km Kireka–Kamulu–Bethany Road. The works will be undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Kiru Engineering Services Ltd.
The event brought together leaders from different levels of government, including Edemachu Monica Ejua, Under Secretary in the Ministry for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs; Betty Ethel Naluyima, the Woman MP for Wakiso District; Mayor Julius Mutebi Nsubuga; and several councillors and technical officers.
Addressing participants, Mayor Mutebi urged the contractors to construct durable, high-quality roads that will enhance mobility and service access in the municipality. He also expressed gratitude to residents who voluntarily offered land to facilitate the project, describing their cooperation as a vital contribution to Kira’s development agenda.
Under Secretary Edemachu Monica Ejua commended Kira’s leadership for prioritising development over politics, especially on issues related to infrastructure.
She, however, raised concerns about the growing problem of roadside garbage dumping, calling on residents to show more responsibility instead of blaming leaders for challenges created by the public.
Village leaders and residents from areas where the roads will be constructed shared optimism about the new developments. Many highlighted longstanding challenges such as poor road conditions, limited access to public services and persistent traffic bottlenecks.
They said the new roads would greatly ease movement and enhance economic opportunities.
Betty Ethel Naluyima, the Wakiso District Woman MP, applauded the unity exhibited by local governments in the district, noting that such cooperation helps translate parliamentary resolutions into tangible development outcomes.
She urged the government to increase investment in Wakiso’s infrastructure, saying improved development in the district would ease the pressure and congestion weighing heavily on Kampala.
Benon Yiga, the Officer in Charge of Works in Kira Municipality, explained that the new roads will not only connect key areas within the municipality but also contribute to national economic growth by improving transport efficiency in the greater Kampala metropolitan area.
Mayor Mutebi reiterated his appeal to the government to actively involve local leaders in every stage of national projects, insisting that their participation is crucial for ensuring effective planning, smooth implementation and long-term sustainability.
The road construction works are expected to begin immediately following the signing of the contracts.