Prince Nakibinge joins Kampala potholes protest

The titular head of the Muslim community in Uganda prince Kassim Nakibinge has asked the government to increase the budget for the construction and renovation of the roads in Kampala city.

Nakibinge said the roads in the city are in a poor state and have resulted in the loss of lives. Nakibinge made the call while delivering his speech to celebrate Eid Al Fitr shortly after the prayers at Kibuli Mosque.

“Of late, the road situation in Kampala is appalling. I want to appeal to the ministry of Works and KCCA in particular, please try to repair these roads. Try to help us. What we’re going through is a nightmare when we’re driving through the roads in Kampala. There are so many roads that need to be constructed, please increase the funding in this area as well so that all Ugandans, we can enjoy to drive in our city Kampala. I have thanked the government of Uganda for the role it has done in constructing so many roads in different parts of the country and world including Congo, but I want them to construct the roads of Kampala,” said Nakibinge.

Nakibinge’s call follows a public outcry that led to an online protest against the sorry state of roads in Kampala. Led by The Observer columnist and lecturer of philosophy at Makerere University, Dr Spire Ssentongo, Ugandans held a week-long online exhibition of potholes in Kampala.

During the exhibition, Ugandans posted on social media pictures of different potholes in their respective localities. The exhibition was intended to expose the dire situation of city roads and prompt the city authorities and government at large to take action.

In reaction, on Wednesday this week, President Museveni ordered the ministry of Finance to immediately release Shs 6 billion for the rehabilitation of roads in the city. However, Kampala Capital City Authority mayor Erias Lukwago said that the Shs 6 billion is inadequate and will not achieve its intended purpose because of corruption.

The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi in a speech read by the deputy Buganda kingdom premier Twaha Kawaase asked the government to invest more in social services especially schools and health centres. Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya thanked Nakibinge for his role in his release together with Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana.