KCCA Advances Smart City Agenda: Major Achievements in Tech, Infrastructure & Wellbeing

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has made remarkable progress in transforming Kampala into a smart city during the financial year 2023/24.

With a focus on three key priorities—technology advancement, infrastructure development, and people’s wellbeing—the KCCA's initiatives align with the government’s Vision 2040, aiming to create a vibrant, attractive, and sustainable city.

Technology Advancement

Kampala Traffic Control Center

One of the most notable achievements is the establishment of the Kampala Traffic Control Center at City Hall.

The building is complete and ready for the installation of equipment, marking a significant step toward effective traffic management. This facility will serve as the hub for controlling traffic across the city.

Furthermore, 27 junctions are being signalized to reduce congestion and improve road safety, with ongoing construction at critical roundabouts such as Mulago, Kubiri, and Speke Road.

Smart Permit System

The KCCA has also transitioned from manual submissions of development permits to an online system under the Smart Permit project.

This web-based development permit system allows developers to submit applications, including plans and proof of land ownership, online from any location.

This shift has greatly improved the efficiency of service delivery.

Infrastructure Development

Roads and Drainages

Significant strides have been made in refurbishing and constructing roads and drainage systems. During the NAM Summit in January, the KCCA refurbished 35 km of roads, covering key routes such as Mukwano Road, Press House Road, and Munyonyo Road.

The Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP) has already tarmacked four roads, including Old Mubende Road and Luwafu Road, with plans to cover 41 roads in total, addressing traffic bottlenecks and reducing commuting times.

The project will also refurbish 22 traffic junctions, create 123 km of non-motorized transport facilities, and install energy-efficient streetlights.

Repair Works

Installation of culverts on Ggaba Road and improved drainage on Wavamunno Road have been completed, with 80% of planned bridge structures and 90% of drainage improvement works also finished.

Over 15 km of community drainage channels have been repaired or constructed across the five divisions of Kampala, including significant improvements in areas like Sembule & Lady Fatuma and Kitebi Community.

Street Lighting

The street lighting network has been expanded by 187 lights, improving safety and visibility on roads such as Mukwano, Ggaba, and Nile Avenue. This expansion aims to enhance night-time security and convenience for city residents.

Physical Developments

The Physical Planning Committee processed 539 building plans, of which 306 were approved, facilitating improved housing in formerly informal areas. Additionally, 345 Buganda Land Board files were reviewed and approved, contributing to better urban planning and development.

People’s Wellbeing

Parish Development Model (PDM)

KCCA has 99 parishes, each with a PDM SACCO. To date, UGX 9.677 billion has been disbursed, showing a 99.8% performance rate.

This funding is expected to significantly improve livelihoods and empower city homesteads.

Nutrition Action Plan

The KCCA Nutrition Action Plan 2023/24 – 2029/30 aims to reduce malnutrition burdens, ensuring the wellbeing of Kampala’s residents. This initiative addresses the critical issue of nutrition and promotes healthier lifestyles.

Market Development

Construction of a new parking lot at Busega Market and the commencement of works for Kisekka Market are steps forward in creating workspaces for city residents.

KCCA is now fully in charge of 15 markets and the City Abattoir, following the implementation of a presidential directive on markets.

Educational Infrastructure

KCCA has renovated and constructed new classrooms across 30 schools.

Notable projects include a nine-classroom block at Nakivubo Primary School and a six-classroom block at Mpererwe Primary School.

Additionally, 1.685 acres of land were purchased for Kasubi Family Primary School, and 150 desks were supplied to 10 schools, enhancing the learning environment for many students.

Health Services

Enhancements in health centers include the addition of new ambulances and a significant number of outpatient department attendances, totaling 1,645,042 over the financial year.

The Ministry of Health has recognized KCCA-managed facilities, awarding Kawala Health Centre for excellence. KCCA facilities contributed to 28% of total deliveries in Kampala.

Waste Management

KCCA achieved a solid waste collection performance of 65%, surpassing the target of 60%. The authority procured and installed 20 garbage storage skips and 400 street litter bins, improving waste management across the city.

With the addition of 10 new garbage trucks, the fleet now boasts 40 trucks. KCCA is also focused on increasing recycling rates and decommissioning the Kiteezi landfill responsibly, with plans to operationalize a waste-to-energy plant in Ddundu.

Child Rescue and Rehabilitation

KCCA supported over 1,200 vulnerable children through street rescue, rehabilitation, and settlement programs. Partnerships with organizations like Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) and the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development have provided care and support for these children.

Notably, 308 children were enrolled in primary school in Napak District, and 40 child traffickers were convicted, demonstrating significant success in combatting child trafficking.

Focus for FY 2024/25

KCCA’s focus for the next financial year includes:

Road Infrastructure

Completion of 40 additional roads under KCRRP and the full equipping of the Kampala Traffic Control Center to alleviate traffic congestion further.

Solid Waste Management

Recycling at least 5% of garbage, treating and releasing 200 amounts of leachate to the natural environment, and initiating the decommissioning of Kiteezi landfill with the operationalization of the Dundu landfill.

Agricultural Support

Providing agricultural extension services to 2,000 farmer households, training 400 farmers, and establishing five demonstration sites in the city.

Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP)

Fast-tracking the UGX 2.1 trillion program to revolutionize Kampala's infrastructure, including work on key roads in various divisions.

Market Construction

Completion of construction works for Busega Market’s parking lot, Kitintale Market Phase II, and Kisekka Market.

Drainage Improvement

Work on the Lubigi and Nakamiro channels, initiating improvements on the Nalukolongo and Mayanja channels, and continuing community drainage repairs.

Educational Enhancements

Completing new classroom blocks and renovating secondary school infrastructure, including removing asbestos.

Air Quality and Green Spaces

Developing a city air quality management ordinance, purchasing 150 air quality monitors, acquiring land for an urban forest, and planting 10,000 trees.

Events like the Kampala Car Free Day and monthly Kampala Cycling Day will promote environmental sustainability.

Street Lighting

Improving street lighting availability from 67% to 81.8%.

Campaigns

Launching campaigns such as Clean and Green, Paint and Pave, and Descent Garbage Disposal to further the Smart City agenda.

The focus on technology, infrastructure, and people’s wellbeing promises a vibrant future for the city and an improved quality of life for all its residents