The Kampala Capital City Authority has proposed a budget of 725 billion shillings for the 2027/2028 financial year, representing a significant cut from the 1 trillion shillings allocated for the current financial year. The proposal was presented at a budget conference on 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 and development priorities.
City leaders have expressed serious concern that the reduced allocation will limit KCCA's ability to address Kampala's growing needs, complete planned projects and meet residents' expectations. Several urged 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 called on KCCA to strengthen accountability in the use of public funds, prioritise projects according to community needs and ensure that expenditure delivers measurable results. Kiteezi rehabilitation was highlighted as one unfunded intervention that should be considered in the budgeting process.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki acknowledged the financial constraints facing the Authority and urged political leaders to give residents accurate information about KCCA's operations and capacity to deliver services. She said leaders needed to manage public expectations by explaining what KCCA could achieve with available resources and the factors that could delay project implementation. Buzeki also clarified that KCCA did not support the imprisonment of people or confiscation of property by individuals allegedly operating as an enforcement team, and called for accurate communication to prevent misinformation.
City leaders stressed the need to balance long-term investments with essential services and unresolved community concerns. They called for transparent decision-making and stronger oversight to ensure that the final budget addresses residents' most urgent needs, with funding decisions guided by the expected impact of projects particularly in communities facing persistent service delivery challenges. The conference highlighted competing demands facing KCCA, including road improvements, infrastructure development and provision of essential public services. The concerns are expected to inform further discussions as the budgeting process continues.
For savers, borrowers, businesses and investors in Kampala, the reduced budget allocation could slow infrastructure improvements and public service delivery that support economic activity and quality of life in the city.