The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has restored tree planting along Port Bell Road, responding to concerns raised by residents during Baraza meetings organized by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre on the CoST Uganda programme 2025.
Through one of the CoST Pillars- Social accountability, three community Baraza meetings were organized in collaboration with KCCA within Makindye, Rubaga, and Nakawa divisions under the CoST-Infrastructure Transparency Initiative.
The barazas focused on testing new climate finance data points developed by CoST, by gathering and analyzing information on how infrastructure projects are selected, appraised, and implemented.
These engagements also involved training public officials on how to collection data for the new data points while assessing whether available information provides a full and accurate account of project appraisal and selection processes.
One of the key concerns raised by residents, especially in Nakawa Division, was the need to restore the cut down trees along Port-Bell Road during road reconstruction works. Community members noted that the trees, originally planted, before the road re-constructions had been removed without adequate replacement.
They emphasized that flowers planted in some sections could not provide the same environmental and social benefits as trees, nor withstand the strong climatic conditions, citing those roadside trees help;
- In reducing soil erosion and flooding,
- Suppressing dust,
- Reducing noise pollution,
- Providing shade during hot weather,
- To beautify the city in support of physical planning.
Similarly, this year 2026, KCCA organized a Baraza meeting on progress of the KCRRP road projects, the Authority confirmed that it had procured over 10,000 trees for planting across the city roads.
We are pleased to note that KCCA has now fulfilled the community’s call for restoration by replanting trees along Port Bell Road.
Trees and flowers planted along Port-Bell Road. Photo Credit by Jolly Violet-CoST Uganda
In a follow-up meeting by CoST Uganda, Mr. Emeru Ronald, a Procurement Specialist (KCCA), informed Jolly Violet (CoST Uganda), that tree planting under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP) and all Kampala roads is ongoing and will contribute greatly to environmental protection, beautification, and dust suppression across the city.
Mr. Paul Mugambe, former Mayor Nakawa Division who previously presided over Nakawa Baraza, commended ongoing tree restoration efforts by KCCA and called for more deliberate and widespread tree-planting efforts within local communities. He noted existence of environmental degradation within Kampala Metropolitan Area, underscoring the urgent need to increase urban greening and conservation efforts.
The restoration of trees along Port Bell Road demonstrates the importance of community participation in infrastructure planning and implementation. It also highlights how transparency, accountability, and citizen/civic engagements can influence positive action in public infrastructure projects.
As the CoST Uganda programme, we applaud Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) not only for planting trees but also for restoring hope, trust, and confidence in infrastructure service delivery to the people of Kampala. Together, we continue to promote Transparency and Accountability for sustainable infrastructure development.
