Kampala's New Lord Mayor Balimwezo Pledges Cleanliness, Accountability

Kampala has a new leader at its helm, with Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga officially taking office as Lord Mayor. He has pledged to steer the city towards greater cleanliness, improved organization, and enhanced accountability.

Balimwezo’s vision for Kampala centers on creating an inclusive and productive capital that serves all its residents. He acknowledges the city’s critical role as Uganda’s economic engine, contributing significantly to the national GDP, but laments that weak planning and strained services are hindering its progress.

Traffic congestion and the deteriorating state of roads are at the forefront of the Mayor’s concerns. He highlighted that a substantial portion of Kampala’s roads are in disrepair or unpaved, contributing to significant daily economic losses due to traffic jams. Balimwezo also aims to improve coordination among utility providers to prevent premature road damage after rehabilitation.

Waste management is another pressing issue, with the city generating thousands of tonnes of trash daily, much of which goes uncollected, leading to environmental and public health hazards. The Mayor intends to explore modern waste management technologies to tackle this crisis effectively.

Addressing the large informal sector and concerns about corruption within the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) are also key priorities. Balimwezo emphasized the need for transparency, professionalism, and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, including vendors, transport operators, and community groups, to shape the city’s future.

The new administration is poised to work collaboratively with KCCA officials and the judiciary, with commitments to uphold integrity and deliver tangible results for Kampala residents. Councilors have also voiced support for initiatives like air quality ordinances and improved market infrastructure.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)