Kampala city leaders have raised concerns that a proposed Shs 725 billion budget for the 2027/2028 financial year could constrain service delivery and delay development projects, calling for increased government funding and greater accountability.
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has proposed a budget of Shs 725 billion for the 2027/2028 financial year, down from the Shs 1 trillion allocated for the current financial year, raising concerns among city leaders about the impact on service delivery and planned development projects.
The proposal was presented during a budget conference in Kampala on Thursday, October 22, 2026, where KCCA’s technical team outlined funding priorities and projects that remain unfunded.
The meeting brought together division mayors, councillors and other city leaders to discuss resource allocation, development priorities and the challenges facing the Authority as it delivers services to Kampala residents.
Several leaders warned that the proposed reduction could limit KCCA’s ability to address the city’s growing needs, complete planned projects and respond to residents’ expectations. They called on the central government to increase financial support to the Authority, arguing that adequate funding is necessary to improve services and accelerate development across the city.
The leaders also urged KCCA to strengthen accountability in the use of public funds, prioritise projects according to community needs and ensure that expenditure delivers measurable results.
One issue raised during the conference was the lack of funding for the rehabilitation of Kiteezi. Leaders called for the intervention to be considered in the budgeting process, although the specific rehabilitation works under discussion were not detailed.
While the proposed budget focuses largely on development projects, city leaders stressed the need to balance long-term investments with essential services and unresolved community concerns.
Some questioned the government’s commitment to addressing Kampala’s challenges, arguing that available resources should be directed towards pressing urban problems.
A division mayor also commended councillors for maintaining their position on the Nakivubo settlement issue, although concerns remained about the government’s response.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki urged political leaders to give residents accurate information about the Authority’s operations, financial constraints and capacity to deliver services.
She said leaders needed to manage public expectations by explaining what KCCA could achieve with the resources available and the factors that could delay project implementation.
Buzeki also clarified that KCCA did not support the imprisonment of people or the confiscation of property by individuals allegedly operating as an enforcement team. She called for accurate communication about the Authority’s activities to prevent misinformation and protect public confidence in its operations.
The conference highlighted the competing demands facing KCCA, including road improvements, infrastructure development and the provision of essential public services.
City leaders called for transparent decision-making and stronger oversight to ensure that the final budget addresses residents’ most urgent needs. They also stressed that funding decisions should be guided by the expected impact of projects, particularly in communities facing persistent service delivery challenges.
The concerns are expected to inform further discussions as the budgeting process continues. The final allocation will determine the resources available to KCCA to implement its priorities in the 2027/2028 financial year.