Residents of Masanyalaze Zone in Rubaga Division are up in arms over the Kampala Capital City Authority’s (KCCA) apparent failure to adhere to proper road naming procedures.
While naming roads is intended to enhance local identity and improve navigation, the process in Rubaga has led to frustration due to a lack of community involvement.
In Masanyalaze Zone, a road was unanimously recommended by the Local Council 1 (LC1) on March 13, 2024, to be named Sempaya Mutawe Road but was instead signposted as Ssebowa Driveway by KCCA.
This road, voluntarily built by locals with community support, was meant to honor the generous contributions of two prominent families who spearheaded its construction.
The unexpected renaming has raised doubts about the transparency and legitimacy of KCCA’s process.
The road in question, a vital link to numerous homesteads, was previously impassable until residents, backed by the two families, took action.
Following a transparent process, the community submitted a road naming application on January 28, 2024. Consultations held on February 5 and 6, 2024, and subsequent LC1 executive meetings led to the unanimous decision on March 13, 2024, to name the road Sempaya Mutawe Road in recognition of these efforts.
KCCA spokesperson Dan Nuwabine explained the standard road naming procedure.
“Communities propose names to their division after reaching an agreement, which is then forwarded to KCCA. Once the Council approves, the name is gazetted, and signage is installed,” he said.
However, residents argue that KCCA bypassed this process, ignoring their recommendation and unilaterally naming the road Ssebowa Driveway.
Frustrated locals are now demanding immediate action from KCCA. They want the road name corrected to Sempaya Mutawe Road. They also want KCCA to issue a public notice acknowldging the error.
