Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja’s recent inspection of roadworks in Kampala has highlighted her hands-on leadership approach and her growing frustration with delays in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP). In a viral video, she criticized contractors, particularly China Railway 18 Group, for their slow progress, linking the delays to recent flooding and the economic strain faced by industrial zones.
During the inspection, Nabbanja expressed her dissatisfaction, stating, “We are tired. We cannot continue like this… You want them delayed because you are paid monthly. You are crippling our economy. The taxpayers are struggling in the industrial area.” She demanded a detailed progress report and action plan from the contractors within 24 hours.
The Prime Minister also took aim at Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, sharply criticizing her for poor oversight. When Kabanda suggested terminating the contract, Nabbanja responded, “Stop complaining in front of people. This is your work. You are supposed to handle these issues before we come in. I am supposed to get a report from you,” exposing underlying tensions over accountability. Additionally, Nabbanja reprimanded a roads engineer for complaining about contractors’ failure to work nights and weekends, insisting that it was the engineer’s responsibility to handle these matters.
On social media platform X, Nabbanja elaborated further: “Our findings during today’s inspection… point to slow progress despite the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure. I urge the contractors and @KCCAUG to double their efforts and deliver this project.” She referred to the GKMA-UDP’s objective of upgrading 74.5 kilometers of roads, with 19.85 kilometers targeted in the first phase. Accompanied by KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki and Works State Minister Musa Echweru, Nabbanja visited key sites, including Sir Apollo Kaggwa, Sentema, Kyebando Ring, and Salaama roads, as well as the Kyebando flooding hotspot. KCCA later issued a statement noting that she expressed appreciation for the progress on Sir Apollo Kaggwa but urged faster work on the remaining roads.
Public reactions on X have praised Nabbanja’s direct approach, with many calling her the “foreman Kampala never knew it needed.” Her firm stance on accountability aligns with growing frustration over Kampala’s infrastructure challenges, signaling an intensified push to meet government commitments.
