Kampala City Lord Mayor and Finance Ministry Summoned Over AfDB Funds Issue

The Parliamentary Physical Infrastructure Committee has issued summonses to Kampala city Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and officials from the finance ministry. This directive was given by committee chairperson Dan Kimosho (Kazo County, NRM) on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

During a tense interaction with Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) officials, including Kampala affairs state minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye and KCCA executive director Dorothy Kisakka, concerns were raised about the absence of Lord Mayor Lukwago. Members of the committee expressed worries about the potential exacerbation of power struggles at City Hall without Lukwago’s presence.

The appearance of Kyofatogabye and Kisakka before the committee followed instructions given by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who urged the committee to provide clear updates on addressing a matter of national concern. This concern stemmed from a letter dated December 17, 2023, in which the African Development Bank (AfDB) threatened to withdraw $288 million in funding for city road projects due to compliance issues.

Kyofatogabye informed lawmakers that efforts had been made to rectify the issues raised by the AfDB, including securing commitments for counterpart funding from the Ministry of Finance. However, Lukwago’s absence during this discussion prompted further inquiry by committee members.

The committee is awaiting Lukwago’s appearance, along with officials from the finance ministry, to provide comprehensive updates on the situation regarding the potential freeze of AfDB funds earmarked for city road projects