By Insight Post Uganda
Kampala-Uganda
The Committee on National Economy expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to utilize a UGX12 billion roads loan for staff capacity enhancement, retooling, and community mobilization.
Officials from authorities within the Kampala Metropolitan area appeared before the committee chaired by Hon. John Bosco Ikojo.
Concerns were raised regarding the consistent allocation of borrowed funds for purposes unrelated to road development, prompting a request for a review of KCCA’s financial decisions.
As part of the program for nine local governments in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, namely Kira, Mukono, Nansana, Entebbe, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso, and Mpigi, a total of US$608.66 million will be allocated for urban development, including roads, drainages, and urban planning services.
However, KCCA’s allocation of US$130 million within the Kampala Metropolitan area will utilize over UGX800 million for retooling, UGX400 million for community mobilization, UGX920 million for staff capacity building, UGX300 million for a citizens satisfaction survey, UGX750 million for governance-related activities such as establishing a KCCA legal library, project oversight, and procuring a Hansard, and UGX250 million for grievance management, among other expenses.
The decision by KCCA to allocate funds meant for road development to capacity building and training has drawn criticism from Members of Parliament. They questioned the necessity and appropriateness of diverting these funds for purposes other than their intended use.
Hon. Maurice Kibalya, the Bugabula South Representative, expressed disappointment with the recurring allocation of significant funds for retooling activities. He argued that such expenditures seemed excessive and called for a more prudent approach to financial management.
Hon. Allan Atugonza, the Buliisa County MP, raised concerns about the lack of consistency and planning within the city’s authorities. Referring to a previous meeting with KCCA officials, he emphasized the need for reevaluating the allocation of UGX12 billion for capacity building.
“If we are telling people that we do not have money for compensation and here we are building the capacity of staff to increase productivity, the same staff that managed the different projects, I find it wastage,” he remarked.
Hon. Stephen Mugabi Baka, the Bukooli North County Member of Parliament, highlighted the recurring trend of allocating borrowed funds for capacity building in each financial year.
In response to the criticisms, the KCCA Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka, stated that while roads are crucial, enhancing the capacity of staff is necessary for the authority to perform well and secure additional road projects and funding.
She clarified that the funds allocated for capacity building are not diverted from road maintenance but rather aim to strengthen the workforce. Kisaka emphasised the desire to see improved performance of the loans for better outcomes.
English 