The Ugandan Ministry of Local Government has ordered all urban local authorities to officially name every street and road within their jurisdictions by August 30, 2026, as part of a nationwide effort to modernize urban addressing. Following the naming phase, all cities and municipalities must complete the installation of approved signage by September 5, 2026.
National Security and Administrative Deadlines
The directive, issued by Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya, establishes a strict timeline for the identification of roads in rapidly growing urban centers. Kumumanya stated that the exercise is long overdue and serves as a critical component in modernizing local administration. The initiative follows strategic guidance provided by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The mandate targets LC V chairpersons, city and municipal mayors, and sub-county chiefs. According to the Ministry, the lack of formal addressing in unplanned urban areas has created significant hurdles for state operations. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi noted that formal naming will improve emergency response times, security operations, urban planning, and the delivery of public services.
Criteria for Street Naming and Cultural Identity
The government is directing local councils to move away from colonial-era nomenclature in favor of identities that reflect Ugandan heritage and achievements. Under the new guidelines, authorities must pass council resolutions to honor specific categories of national figures, including:
- Traditional rulers, kings, and cultural leaders.
- Heroes of the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
- Former presidents and eminent national leaders.
- Distinguished citizens who have contributed to science, business, sports, the arts, and public service.
Local authorities are required to submit their approved lists, supported by formal council resolutions, to the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government before the late-August deadline.
Early Implementation in Entebbe Municipality
Some local governments have already begun the transition. Entebbe Mayor Fabrice Rulinda confirmed during a UBC TV Uganda sensitization session that his administration has started a comprehensive mapping and naming exercise.
Rulinda stated that the process is intended to make business, tourism, and daily navigation seamless for residents and visitors. He characterized a properly addressed municipality as a prerequisite for both operational efficiency and enhanced security in the lakeside town.
Parallel Mandates on Urban Sanitation
Alongside the addressing directive, Minister Barugahara issued a separate warning to municipal leaders regarding urban cleanliness. The Minister linked environmental sanitation directly to the quality of leadership and service delivery, urging leaders to intensify efforts to keep towns clean.
The requirement to name thousands of roads while simultaneously improving sanitation standards creates a dual administrative pressure for city officials. Local leaders have expressed their commitment to the deadlines, though the process will require balancing official mandates with community input on the selection of names.
