We are not eating money at KCCA – Musisi

KAMPALA- Kampala Capital City Authority executive director Jennifer Musisi has said all the money allocated to the authority is put to use and no coin is wasted.

Speaking at a news conference where she highlighted the past financial year achievements and the next financial year projected developments, Ms Musisi said as KCCA technical team, whatever they do, is guided by the law and the public should not be worried.

“The money [Shs37b for the construction of Busega market], allegedly given to KCCA, and was misappropriated has never been given to us. Busega Market construction will be funded under the World Bank project through the ministry of local governments. KCCA has never received any money for that project,” she explained when asked about the allegations that KCCA received the funds and misused it.

Ms Musisialso clarified that the purchase of Usafi market is based on figures provided by the government’s chief valuer.

“It’s not true that KCCA bought Usafi Market at Shs110m last year and is now buying it at Shs37.9b, it is ridiculous because since I came in office I have not sold off any KCCA land and instead, I have helped to recover most of KCCA’s properties, which has pushed out asset revenues to Shs426b up from 45b in just three years,” she said.

“The public ought to know that what we are buying at Usafi Market is not land alone, we are buying an operating business that entails a lot such as compensating for the development value that the developer (Mr Umar Ssekamatte) had already put up,” she said.

Meanwhile, the KCCA boss has said many developments in Kampala will be affected in the next financial year as there are little funds to finance their progress.

“We wanted to increase on the nurses and teachers monthly top-up emoluments, but we are very so sorry that will not be implemented as we had projected and this is due to the budget cuts,” said Ms Musisi.

She also noted that KCCA will not continue with providing meals to pupils in the Universal Primary Education schools and the proposed construction of model schools will not be realised.

Other projects that will be affected due to budget cuts include; the construction of the Kawempe, Kansanga and other proposed markets, some roads that had been proposed for upgrade will not be worked on.

Asked about Mr Erias Lukwago’s petition to Parliament to stay the passing of the KCCA 20114/15 budget, Ms Musisi responded that: “By not approving KCCA budget, you are not approving it for Jennifer Musisi to eat. These are funds to improve facilities that benefit the public.”

Highlights of KCCA achievements

KCCA has increased revenue collection from 28 billion to 68 billion in three years.

19,000 youths got youth funding, 30,000 children under KCCA’s UPE schools passed in grade one.
Over 200 farmers trained in urban farming at Kyanja agricultural training centre.

Improved health services at all the KCCA health centres, with over 2000 patients received daily across all the facilities.

Over 2013 building plans have been approved and shortened the approving period from three months to three weeks or less.

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