The government has directed all local governments across Uganda to officially name every street and road within their jurisdictions by August 30, 2026, in a nationwide exercise aimed at improving security, emergency response, service delivery, and urban planning.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, who said the guidance followed instructions from the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Adviser on Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Addressing Local Council V Chairpersons, City Mayors, Division Mayors, Town Council Mayors, and Sub-County Chiefs, Balaam said proper street and road naming is critical for modern governance and national development.
“Proper naming of streets and roads will greatly assist in easy location, emergency response, security operations, service delivery, urban planning, investment, and other important national operations,” the minister said.
Under the directive, all urban authorities—including cities, municipalities, divisions, town councils, and other urban centres—must ensure every street and road is officially named before the end-of-August deadline.
The exercise is also expected to standardise addressing systems across the country, easing navigation for residents, visitors, businesses, emergency responders, and security agencies.
Heroes and National Icons to Be Honoured
The ministry has advised local governments to use the naming exercise to recognise Ugandans and other distinguished personalities whose contributions have shaped the country’s history and development.
Among those proposed for consideration are traditional rulers and cultural leaders, kings and other eminent historical figures, heroes of the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) heroes, former presidents, and distinguished national leaders.
Local governments have also been encouraged to honour outstanding individuals in public service, education, science, business, sports, arts, culture, and community development.
Authorities will be required to pass council resolutions approving the names before forwarding the lists to the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government.
The ministry has further directed that all approved street name signs be installed by September 5, 2026.
Push for Cleaner Urban Centres
Beyond the street-naming exercise, Balaam urged local leaders to intensify efforts to maintain cleanliness in cities, municipalities, town councils, and other communities.
He said clean urban centres are a reflection of effective leadership and improved public service delivery.
“A clean environment reflects good leadership, effective service delivery, and respect for our citizens,” the minister said.
The directive is expected to trigger one of the country’s largest coordinated urban addressing exercises, with local governments now racing to identify, approve, and install official names for thousands of previously unnamed streets and roads before the government deadlines.
