Residents of Rubaga Division are raising concerns over what they describe as the Kampala Capital City Authority’s (KCCA) failure to follow proper procedures in naming roads—an oversight that is now dividing families and communities.
While road naming is intended to strengthen local identity and improve traceability, residents say the current process has been marred by procedural violations and disregard for community input.
At the center of the dispute is a road in Masanyalaze Zone, which the local LC1 council unanimously recommended on March 13, 2024, be named Sempaya Mutawe Road. However, KCCA has instead installed signage identifying it as Ssebowa Driveway—a name residents say was never agreed upon.
According to the LC1, a formal road naming application was submitted on January 28, 2024. This triggered a transparent and inclusive community engagement process, including consultations on February 5 and 6, and LC1 Executive meetings to deliberate on all submissions. These efforts culminated in a resolution to honor Sempaya Mutawe, a figure recognized for significant contributions to the community.
Key reasons behind the proposed name included: Community Leadership and Service, Infrastructure Development, Public Safety Enhancements and Sustained Community Mobilization.
Despite these efforts, residents were shocked to see the road officially named after someone else, with no prior notice or explanation. They argue that KCCA has not only ignored the due process but also disrespected the will of the community.
“This road was constructed with local resources, largely funded by two prominent families and supported by other residents. It’s only fair that the road reflects that contribution,” said a resident.
KCCA spokesperson Dan Nuwabine acknowledged that the road naming process begins at the community level:
“Communities propose a name to their division after mutual agreement. Once the division forwards it to KCCA and it is approved by Council, the name is gazetted and signage installed,” he said.
Residents, however, insist this protocol was not followed in this case. They are now calling on KCCA to urgently Correct the road name in official records, replace the existing signage with the approved name Sempaya Mutawe Road.
The road, which serves numerous households in the area, was in a dilapidated state until residents took it upon themselves to repair it. Their frustration stems not only from being overlooked but also from the perceived undermining of their community efforts.
Residents and their LC1 leadership await a formal response from KCCA, hoping that the authority will uphold transparency and accountability in handling such a sensitive issue.
