Mukono Municipality has received Shs 4.5 billion from the Government of Uganda, a development officials say will transform waste management, sanitation, and infrastructure in the fast-growing township.
The funds—part of the support extended after Mukono helped Kampala address its garbage crisis—will be used to purchase over 30 acres of land at Katikoro to expand the municipality’s dumping and composting site.
Mukono Municipal Town Clerk Francis Byabagabi confirmed the receipt of the funds, saying the expansion is crucial in improving both solid waste and faecal sludge management.
“We have received Shs 4.5 billion from the Government of Uganda to purchase more than 30 acres of land. This space will help us expand the project at Katikolo. Currently, people take their sewage up to Nansana, but we want to shorten the distance so they can discharge here,” Byabagabi explained.
He said the long-term plan is to eventually connect a pipeline to channel sewage directly to Katikoro.
However, he noted delays in operational sing the garbage-sorting machine at the site after unknown individuals vandalized and stole UDCL power lines that had just been installed.
“We extended three-phase power at a cost of over Shs 95 million, but some people removed the wires. UDCL has promised to reinstall them quickly so that the machine becomes functional,” he added.
Byabagabi dismissed claims that machine components had been stolen, saying there was no report indicating such losses.
The updates were delivered during the Municipal Budget Conference, where officials reviewed the previous financial year and shared plans for FY 2024/25.
Byabagabi reported that the municipality’s annual budget surged from Shs 30 billion to Shs 95 billion, largely due to heavy government and World Bank-backed investment in road infrastructure.
More than Shs 55 billion went into upgrading roads, with 19 kilometres currently under tarmac and works standing at over 50% progress under the GTM program. By the end of the cycle, a total of Shs 134 billion will have been invested in roads and other infrastructure.
Education funding also significantly increased—from Shs 500 million to over Shs 2 billion, facilitating the construction of classrooms, toilets, and the procurement of school furniture.
Under the Parish Development Model, Mukono received Shs 2.7 billion, supporting 2,665 beneficiaries.
The municipality also partially opened its new administration block and procured a grader, with plans to acquire a roller to boost maintenance of feeder roads.
Municipal Planner Dickson Magala outlined ongoing and upcoming road projects, noting continued improvements across Routes 1, 2, and 3.
Key roads under construction include:
- Kasangalabi Road – 2.5 km
- Ssaza Road – 2.2 km
He said more drainage channels, road clamps, and detaching works are ongoing, with a micro-roller expected soon to ease road maintenance.
Mukono Municipal Development Forum President Yekosofati Mukwanya praised the government for its continued investment.
“We are grateful for the rapid progress of GMK roads and now the expansion of the Katikoro dumping site. Once we have adequate space, sorting will be easier, and decomposable materials can be turned into fertilisers,” he said.
The Secretary for Finance and Planning, Augustine Romeo, confirmed that Shs 2.5 billion has already been deposited into the municipal account for land purchase.
“Katikolo has been disorganised due to limited space, but now it will be properly managed. We also received a sorting machine, which will help us make manure,” he said.
However, he echoed concerns about vandalism of power lines, which has delayed activation of the sorting machinery.
Mukono Central Division Vice Chairperson Zaid Ssali Kabugo said the expansion will reduce daily garbage pile-ups.
“The current site is too small. Trucks get blocked due to congestion. With more land, we shall accommodate all garbage and improve daily collection,” he noted.
Councillor Basta Richard Ssenyonga of Ggulu Ward added that Mukono’s population growth has overwhelmed the old site.
“The extension will reduce garbage spilling into homes. We also need more garbage trucks because sometimes waste accumulates when trucks are insufficient,” he said.
With new land, improved infrastructure, and continued government support, officials believe Mukono is on course to become one of Uganda’s cleanest and best-planned municipalities.
