Ever since Uganda hosted the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (CHOGM) in 2007, our country has staged several high profile international conferences. The just ended African Union summit in Kampala is perhaps the biggest of this post-CHOGM windfall of conferences.

This is an achievement to celebrate because it represents a vote of confidence in Uganda. Therefore, the ministry of Foreign Affairs and others responsible for giving Uganda that image and attracting top calibre meetings, must be congratulated. The exposure Uganda gets from such events is very good for business.

However, it must be said that these conferences are masking some dirty realities about Kampala. Yes, the city is safe and secure; one of the safest in Africa despite the July 11 bombings, but it is also dirty, dusty, dark, disorganised, potholed and traffic congested. The new chic look created in the run up to CHOGM 2007 has since been replaced by the more familiar shabby character.

A plush Speke Resort Munyonyo or Kampala Serena Hotel cannot exist in isolation; these jewels must be surrounded by a nicely kept city to give our visitors a wholesome experience to remember, and for the residents to be proud of.

Because of the narrow streets and congestion, many visitors and residents were held up in traffic for several hours much of last week. Thus Kampala, which was already infamous across Africa for its potholes, will now be known for traffic jams as well. Not a good tag if we seriously want to uplift the profile of our city and country!

Yet the traffic jams could be reduced by repairing several neglected roads in the city's suburbs to ease pressure on the main routes used for such events. It is also time to seriously consider building flyovers.

We are, therefore, making a case for a Kampala master plan that will make our city a lovely dwelling place for residents and visitors alike. Whether this master plan is implemented by Kampala City Council or the central government doesn't really matter; what Kampala needs is a comprehensive facelift.