New Komatsu motor grader purchased with local revenue complements 11 government-funded roads, cutting equipment rental costs and boosting service delivery.
By Brian Mugenyi
ENTEBBE — Entebbe Municipal Council has invested Shs1.08 billion in locally generated revenue to acquire a brand-new Komatsu GD655-5 motor grader. Authorities say the heavy-duty machinery will significantly boost road construction, routine maintenance, and rehabilitation across the municipality.
Funded entirely through local taxes paid by residents, market vendors, property owners, and local businesses, the purchase is expected to reduce reliance on expensive hired machinery and improve the municipality’s response to community infrastructure needs.
Municipal leadership praised local taxpayers—particularly vendors at Kitooro Market and property owners—emphasizing that their civic contributions are being directly converted into visible infrastructure and improved service delivery.
Ending Expensive Machinery Hirings
Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Rulinda hailed the acquisition as a landmark achievement for local revenue management, noting that it builds on ongoing central government road investments in the area.
“Entebbe Municipality has already benefited from 11 roads constructed by the Government of Uganda,” Mayor Rulinda said during the equipment handover. “Together with my technical team, we have received this motor grader, fulfilling our promise to deliver tangible infrastructure to our people.”
Town Clerk Emmanuel Gakyaalo Mugisha noted that acquiring the motor grader solves a major operational bottleneck, as the council previously spent millions renting private equipment.
“The old grader we had was obsolete and non-functional. Hiring a grader on dry rate was costing us Shs1 million for just eight hours of work,” Mugisha revealed.
Assistant Town Clerk Christine Damalie Nassozi added that with many municipal feeder roads still awaiting construction and grading, owning heavy machinery gives the council full operational independence.
Central Government Investment Reshaping Uganda’s Gateway
The municipal purchase complements an ongoing central government infrastructure drive that has revitalized 11 major road networks across Entebbe.
As Uganda’s international gateway—housing Entebbe International Airport, diplomatic installations, and key Lake Victoria tourist hubs—the municipality’s road network carries high volumes of international visitors, business commuters, and local traders.
Construction Engineer Moses Tumusiime noted that before the central government intervention, several key routes suffered from severe dust, poor drainage, and heavy traffic congestion.
“The 11 roads constructed by the central government have played a massive role in transforming Entebbe,” Mayor Rulinda added. “They have eased traffic movement, opened up residential communities, and stimulated local commerce.”
Shs22.7 Billion Corridor Boosting Local Trade
A flagship project in the municipality’s transformation is the Shs22.7 billion Kitooro–Kiwafu–Nakiwogo (KKN) road reconstruction project.
Spanning 4.3 kilometers, this critical transit corridor links Kitooro Market to the Nakiwogo Landing Site—a key ferry link connecting the mainland to the Kalangala islands. The project includes full road reconstruction, covered drainage channels, paved pedestrian walkways, street lighting, and organized parking.
For the more than 650 vendors at Kitooro Market, the improved road network directly impacts daily commerce.
“Better roads make it easier for farmers, suppliers, tourists, and shoppers to access the market, which directly boosts household incomes,” said Market Administrator Christine Damalie Nassozi. “Roads do not just carry traffic; they support trade, attract real estate investment, and streamline public services.”
Local traders echoed her sentiments:
- Najjita Fatuma, Vice Chairperson of Food Sellers at Kitooro Market, noted that paving the corridor eliminated dust pollution that previously spoiled fresh produce, attracting more high-value clients.
- Jonathan Tukundane, a poultry dealer, stated that smooth transport links have cut delivery times, though he urged the government to complement infrastructure growth with expanded credit access through the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Sustainable Development and Civic Responsibility
Stephen Mulindwa, Head of Trade and Economic Development at Entebbe Municipality, characterized the dual investments as a new development chapter for the town.
“This infrastructure drive shows where Entebbe has come from and where it is going. Modern roads signal stability and encourage investors to set up businesses here,” Mulindwa said.
However, he cautioned residents to protect public infrastructure by maintaining proper waste disposal habits and keeping drainage channels clear of garbage.
As Entebbe continues to position itself as a regional economic and tourism hub, the combination of national road funding and the locally financed Shs1.08 billion motor grader demonstrates how decentralized governance can deliver concrete public assets to citizens at the grassroots level.
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