Smart city ambassadors ask KCCA to install lights in dark spot feeder roads

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Smart city ambassadors are concerned about inadequate street lighting and that many Ugandans are mugged due to the lack of lights across the five Kampala city divisions.

They are, therefore, requesting the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to install lights on city feeder roads to protect vulnerable road users from being mugged.  

“I was taking my grandchild to the hospital about 5:00am when we saw an elderly woman who had been murdered around Namuwongo. This is a dark spot and very scary,” National Resistance Movement party chairperson of Katongole zone in Bukasa parish, Makindye division, Allen Nnakisozi Muyomba, said.

Muyomba believes the victim was attacked because she often moved early to buy cassava.

Muyomba requested KCCA, “to install lights on feeder roads, especially in dark spot areas where thugs hide. Many residents in Namuwongo and different city divisions live in fear due to Kifeesi gangs that attack people in dark corners.”

She raised the concerns during a meeting organised by KCCA at Kitante Primary school in Kampala ahead of Christmas.

The strategic plan

The meeting, which attracted smart city ambassadors across five divisions of Kampala: Central, Kawempe, Rubaga, Makindye and Nakawa, focused on creating awareness and outlining KCCA’s strategic plan, KCCA client charter and service delivery standards for the financial year 2025/26- 2029/30.

Hajat Sharifah Buzeki, KCCA Executive Director addressing smart city ambassadors during a meeting at Kitante Primary school in Kampala on December 20, 2025.

The deputy director of strategy at KCCA, William Epiak, outlined KCCA’s plan for the next five years, including upgrading and reconstructing 325km city roads, installing 25,000 street lights, constructing 80.2km of primary and secondary drainage, doing 103 drainage black spots and road crossings, and implementing the Kampala Bus Rapid Transit project, starting with 14.4Km among others.

“We shall also extend the commuter rail to Port Bell and Kyengera, complete the feasibility study and designs for the Kampala Light Rail system, construct 15km of dedicated NMT, construct phase 2 of the Kampala flyover project (Mukwano, Kitgum house & Oasis mall roundabout, decommission and repurpose of Kiteezi landfill, construct and operationalise of the new waste treatment facility at Buyala, Purchase 30 new garbage trucks, complete Philip Omondi stadium and development of community sports facilities, among others,” Epiak stated.

During the discussions, ambassadors from five divisions also highlighted issues such as a few public toilets, property rent, poor waste management, stray dogs, and bedbugs, absence of drugs in KCCA hospitals, and indiscipline of KCCA staff, among others.

During the meeting, Scovia Kiwanuka from Kawempe South B told KCCA to remember the great work done by the former executive director of KCCA, Jennifer Musisi.

“When you pass in Kampala now, you feel embarrassed. Kampala’s beautification has been destroyed by vendors. Vendors have filled all the walkways with goods. How can Kampala become a smart City if some bodabodas still pass on pavements and Island?" Kiwanuka asked KCCA.

Daniel Mayobwe Kigozi said 2600 volunteers are ready to help KCCA with garbage management, environmental sanitation, observation of law and order through community sensitisation on public hygiene.

To support city ambassadors to carry out their roles effectively, Kigozi requested KCCA to periodically sensitise and equip them with knowledge and skills about their activities.

Committed to a well-planned city

KCCA executive director Hajat Sharifah Buzeki said they are committed to building a well-planned, inclusive and resilient capital city.

“I am glad you are here to discuss issues affecting Kampala. Often, when you speak about Kampala, you compare it to other developed cities. With your zeal, energy, commitment and agility, I have hope that you are the solution to changing Kampala into a smart city. Kampala requires shared responsibility,” Buzeki told city ambassadors.

Building on the strategy started by the former ED of KCCA, Dorothy Kisaka, Buzeki appreciated city ambassadors for volunteering to work for free and pledged to continue with Kisaka’s good work and also implement President Museveni’s advice.

Buzeki said: “With KCCA top leadership and President Museveni’s support, we shall address issues such as identification, remuneration, and facilitation.”

The Minister of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, rallied city ambassadors to convince their communities to vote for President Museveni and all NRM candidates come January 15, 2026, citing his contributions including peace and security, free education, supporting health programmes, among others.

Kabanda said," As elections approach, let us maintain peace, respect one another and vote responsibly.”