By Spy Uganda
A political storm is brewing at City Hall after the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) came under intense scrutiny for erecting prominent billboards welcoming President Yoweri Museveni to the city — allegedly without using a single coin of public funds.
Amid mounting speculation, KCCA was forced to defend itself before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) on Thursday, August 1, following revelations in the Auditor General’s December 2024 report and sharp questioning by lawmakers.
The billboards, boldly emblazoned with images of President Museveni and KCCA Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, sparked outrage over whether public funds were misused for political optics tied to the President’s Parish Development Model (PDM) tours across Kampala.
“No Taxpayer Money Spent,” KCCA Insists
Facing a barrage of questions, KCCA boss Kigenyi firmly denied any misuse of funds:
“The billboards were donated by well-wishers. No taxpayer money was spent. No payments were authorized. There is no trace of related transactions in our financial records.”
But lawmakers weren’t convinced.
Nakaseke Central MP Allan Mayanja lit the match during the hearing:
“When Kampala is dotted with billboards shouting ‘KCCA Welcomes Museveni,’ we must ask—who paid, and from which budget?”
Adding to the tension, Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa raised a red flag on legal compliance and political neutrality:
“Even if these billboards were donated, the law demands full disclosure. Are we to believe high-value political branding can just appear across the city without formal records?”
He continued: “Would KCCA still allow ‘donated’ billboards if they contained defamatory or opposition content?”
Lukwago Washes Hands: “The Executive Wasn’t Consulted”
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was quick to distance himself and the Authority’s political leadership from the controversy.
“The Central Executive Committee was not involved or informed. This is a management-level decision, and they must explain themselves.”
Lukwago announced that KCCA’s Public Accounts Committee would now launch a separate investigation.
Selective Enforcement? Politicians Cry Foul Over Poster Removals
The billboard scandal reignited an even broader row — KCCA’s alleged political bias during elections. MPs questioned the removal of opposition posters and campaign materials while President Museveni’s billboards remained untouched.
Kasilo County MP Elijah Okupa voiced the anger of independents:
“Are we ignored just because we don’t belong to any party? This exclusion undermines democratic fairness.”
Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona went further, accusing KCCA of institutional bias:
“Why are religious gatherings permitted while political rallies are shut down? Why not designate poster zones instead of blanket bans?”
Frank Rusa, KCCA’s Director of Legal Services, defended the Authority’s position:
“Our mandate allows us to regulate city advertising. Billboards without clearance can be removed. Our actions are legal and targeted at safety.”
Deputy ED Kigenyi reiterated the Authority’s neutrality:
“We don’t discriminate against politicians—we are voters too. Posters found in dangerous areas were removed for public safety, not politics.”
But critics say the damage is done.
As Parliament continues its probe, the spotlight now turns to how public spaces — especially in the capital — are being managed in the run-up to the 2026 general elections. The debate underscores mounting tensions between regulatory authority and political freedom, transparency and power, incumbency and opposition.
With trust hanging by a thread, one thing is clear: KCCA will need more than verbal assurances to convince Ugandans that politics isn’t seeping into the very foundations of the city’s governance.
