Balimwezo Unearths Suspected Substandard Drainage Works In Kampala, Demands Quality From Contractors

UgandaToday: Balimwezo Unearths Suspected Substandard Drainage Works In Kampala, Demands Quality From Contractors

Kampala, Uganda — September 21, 2026

Kampala Lord Mayor Eng. Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo has stepped up scrutiny of ongoing infrastructure works in the city after personally inspecting a drainage project and questioning the quality of workmanship being undertaken by contractors.

The inspection, captured in a video obtained by Uganda Today, shows Balimwezo at a construction site where he examines a section of newly installed drainage works. He is seen removing and lifting pieces of the material around the drainage structure, apparently seeking to establish how the work has been executed beneath the surface.

Kampala minister Minsa Kabanda inspects ongoing drainage works, questioning the quality of construction at the site.

A Hands-On Inspection

The footage shows Balimwezo physically examining the construction materials and the manner in which the drainage section has been assembled.

At one point, the Lord Mayor picks up pieces of stone and other material from the work area, drawing attention to what he appears to consider inadequate construction practices.

The inspection comes amid growing attention to the quality, speed and supervision of road and drainage projects being implemented across Kampala.

Recent reports indicate that Balimwezo has been making regular field inspections of city infrastructure projects, with particular emphasis on contractors meeting agreed specifications and completing works within their contractual timelines.

Concerns Over What Lies Beneath The Surface

Drainage infrastructure is particularly important in Kampala, where inadequate storm-water management can contribute to flooding, deterioration of roads and disruption of businesses and communities.

A recent report by local media said Balimwezo ordered a contractor to demolish and reconstruct a section of drainage works along Salama Road after he determined that the section had not been constructed to the required standard.

According to the report, the Lord Mayor argued that the affected section had not been properly designed to facilitate the effective movement of storm water. The contractor subsequently removed the disputed section and reconstructed it.

The development gives added context to the video, although the footage itself does not independently establish the precise contractual specifications, contractor responsible or technical assessment of the particular section shown.

‘Taxpayers Deserve Value For Money’

Balimwezo’s concerns are consistent with statements he has made since assuming office.

In July, KCCA reported that the Lord Mayor had convened a meeting with contractors working on various infrastructure projects in Kampala and pledged to personally supervise projects to ensure value for money.

At the meeting, he called for contractors to deliver quality work and warned that poor performance would not be tolerated. The Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Minister of State, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, similarly cautioned contractors against practices that could compromise the quality and standards of city roads.

Earlier this month, Balimwezo also warned road contractors against delays and substandard work following inspections of several rehabilitation projects.

He called for contractors that fail to perform to face consequences and urged KCCA to consider previous performance when awarding future projects.

Quality Control Becomes A Major Kampala Issue

The Lord Mayor’s latest intervention comes at a time when Kampala is witnessing a significant expansion of road and drainage rehabilitation.

KCCA is implementing several projects under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project and other programmes. Among them is the 9.1-kilometre Mpererwe–Kiteezi–Kiti road, a UGX51 billion project expected to include two traffic lanes, cycling lanes, walkways and 330 street lights.

KCCA has also emphasised the importance of drainage in protecting newly rehabilitated roads from storm-water damage.

The authority’s recent infrastructure inspections have therefore increasingly focused not only on whether roads are completed, but also on whether drainage and associated works meet the required standards.

Drainage infrastructure forms a critical component of Kampala’s road rehabilitation projects, helping to control storm water and protect roads from premature deterioration.

A Warning To Contractors And Supervisors

The episode also raises a wider question about supervision of publicly funded infrastructure projects.

A construction defect discovered during an inspection can potentially be corrected before a project is completed. However, where inadequate work is concealed by subsequent layers of construction, identifying and correcting the problem can become more difficult and costly.

For that reason, Balimwezo has repeatedly called for closer supervision of contractors and consultants working on Kampala’s infrastructure.

KCCA has similarly stressed that contractors should observe approved standards, complete projects on schedule and ensure that public investments provide value to residents.

Residents Asked To Monitor Public Projects

Balimwezo has also encouraged Kampala residents to take an interest in projects being implemented in their communities and report concerns where they believe construction standards are not being followed.

The latest inspection therefore places the spotlight not only on the contractor involved, but also on the systems responsible for technical supervision, certification and accountability throughout the construction process.

For Kampala residents, the issue is ultimately about whether roads, drainage channels and other infrastructure funded through public resources will withstand the demands placed upon them.

Uganda Today Editorial Note

The video accompanying this story shows Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo inspecting ongoing drainage works and questioning aspects of the construction. Claims about substandard workmanship are attributed to the inspection and available reports. Uganda Today has not independently conducted an engineering assessment of the works shown in the footage and therefore does not make an independent technical determination about compliance with contractual specifications.

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