Minister Magezi says urban areas to receive road infrastructure boost

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Urban areas across Uganda are poised for a significant upgrade to their road infrastructure following a major announcement by the Government. 

Speaking at the 56th annual general meeting of the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU) in Tororo on November 20, 2025, local government minister Raphael Magezi revealed plans for independent road funding for town councils and the provision of new equipment to cities and municipalities.

The move comes as a response to the ongoing challenges faced by many urban authorities grappling with dilapidated road networks due to inadequate funding and a lack of proper equipment.

"I am aware of the challenge of the road fund. We have to make sure it is addressed. The road fund for the town councils, you work together with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Works to make sure that in the next budget, town councils also get their funds. The Ministry of Works has assured me that new road equipment for the cities and municipalities are underway," Magezi said. 

The minister's announcement was welcomed by local leaders, who have long advocated for increased investment in road infrastructure. The UAAU meeting, which is expected to end today, Friday, provided a platform to address these critical issues.

"As an urban council, we have challenges with a lack of equipment. Tororo municipal council has only one grader, and we receive one billion for road maintenance. It's difficult to maintain roads when you're borrowing from neighbours who also receive the money with you at the same time. We appeal to the Government to see how to help us with road equipment." Tororo municipality mayor Kenneth Orono said. 

He further noted that the reduction in the road fund had impacted maintenance efforts.

UAAU president Wilson Sanya emphasised the need for a shift in approach. 

"We no longer need money for putting marrum in the cities; instead, we want funds and equipment that can allow cities to tarmac one or two kilometres per financial year," he said. 

"We appreciate the one billion; it's very good for now, but I think it will be much better and more sustainable if we're given funds to tarmac at least one kilometre, but the best way to do it is for us to be supplied with bitumen equipment at the regional level," Sanya said. 

Beyond the allocation of resources, the UAAU leadership also addressed the issue of corruption, which has been identified as a significant impediment to road projects across urban local governments. 

To combat this, Sanya called for the accelerated implementation of e-governance, emphasising its potential to enhance transparency and accountability.

"The only way that this country, Uganda, this city of Tororo, can be accountable, can be able to make sure funds go down, is when we go for e-governance, automation. There is even procurement done online, so let's go for it because everything is automated." Sanya asserted. 

The Urban Authorities Association of Uganda meeting is expected to conclude on Friday, with leaders also discussing matters related to physical planning to accommodate future expansion and tourism promotion.