Gen Muhoozi Hails Abiy’s Addis Ababa Transformation, Vows Similar Overhaul for Kampala

A single tweet from CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has sparked fresh conversation about regional urban transformation. Pointing to Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s sweeping modernization of Addis Ababa, Muhoozi suggested that Kampala could follow a similar path, if given the opportunity.

“What my dear brother, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has done for Addis Ababa in no time is what we shall do for Kampala when given the chance,” he posted on Saturday evening.

That declaration by Muhoozi Kainerugaba is more than a statement of admiration. It is a vision statement, one that invites Ugandans to examine the remarkable urban transformation currently unfolding in Ethiopia’s capital.

Within months, the changes in Addis have become unmistakable. Tree-lined walkways now offer shade and fresh air.

For decades, Addis Ababa struggled under the weight of rapid urbanization. Roads were narrow. Sidewalks were either absent or inadequate. Public spaces were scarce. Informal settlements expanded, and greenery was limited. Despite being over 130 years old, the city lacked essential recreational parks, modern libraries, and sufficient social infrastructure to serve its most vulnerable residents.

When Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed office, he made an early and decisive observation: Addis Ababa required urgent and comprehensive infrastructure renewal.

The Corridor Development Revolution

The most visible symbol of that renewal is the Corridor Development Project — an ambitious urban modernization initiative reshaping the capital’s physical and social landscape.

Spanning approximately 240 kilometers of roads and related infrastructure, the project includes:

• 48 kilometers of newly asphalted roads

• Four underground pedestrian walkways

• 96 kilometers of pedestrian paths

• 100 kilometers of bicycle lanes

• Five kilometers of running tracks

• 48 modern bus and taxi terminals

Ethiopia’s capital is a sight to behold when the sun goes to sleep

But the transformation goes beyond transport. The corridors integrate recreational parks, children’s playgrounds, public plazas, fountains, green spaces, and a modern drainage system to combat flooding.

The most visible symbol of that renewal is the Corridor Development Project — an ambitious urban modernization initiative

Within months, the changes have become unmistakable. Tree-lined walkways now offer shade and fresh air. Decorative electric lighting has transformed the night-time skyline. Once-neglected spaces are becoming vibrant civic environments for residents and visitors alike.

Clean Ethiopia and Social Infrastructure

Urban renewal in Addis Ababa has not been limited to aesthetics. Through the “Clean Ethiopia” initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, sanitation facilities and modern public toilets have been installed along major corridors, fostering cleaner and healthier urban living conditions.

Equally important are social empowerment programs targeting vulnerable groups.

Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed and his deputy tour developments in Addis recently

The Lenegewa Women’s Rehabilitation and Skill Development Center provides vocational training, accommodation, psychological support, and medical services to women seeking new economic opportunities. Over 13 purpose-built structures support education and reintegration into sustainable livelihoods.

Housing renovation initiatives for elderly and economically disadvantaged residents have also improved living standards across the city, offering dignified accommodation to those most in need.

Additionally, the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Boarding High School for visually impaired students has expanded inclusive education access, accommodating over 300 learners from across Ethiopia in a modern, well-equipped facility.

Addis Ababa: Africa’s Diplomatic Capital

Today, Addis Ababa stands not only as Ethiopia’s historic capital but as Africa’s diplomatic nerve center — hosting the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, alongside numerous embassies and international institutions.

AU Headqaurters

The ongoing transformation reinforces its stature as a modern, globally competitive African capital.

The Kampala Question

Muhoozi’s tweet therefore raises a strategic question: Can Kampala undergo a similar structured, corridor-based, socially inclusive transformation?

The Addis model demonstrates that urban renewal can be rapid when guided by political will, coordinated planning, and integrated infrastructure development. Roads, sanitation, green spaces, housing, social services, and economic empowerment can move together, not in isolation.

The Skyline of Uganda’s capital, Kampala 

If Addis Ababa is the case study, then Muhoozi’s message signals ambition: a Kampala redesigned for pedestrians, organized transport, modern public spaces, and inclusive growth.

The statement is not merely about admiration of Abiy Ahmed’s work. It is about positioning infrastructure transformation as a political promise.

And as Addis Ababa continues its facelift, the comparison is now firmly on the table.