KAMPALA CITY ROADS REHABILITATION PROJECT HITS 78%

Kampala is undergoing one of the most significant infrastructure transformations in its recent history, as works under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP) continue to reshape the capital into a modern, efficient and resilient city.

Implemented by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the project has now reached 78% completion, reflecting steady progress in improving mobility, reducing flooding and enhancing road safety across the city.

At a media breakfast meeting held Thursday at City Hall, officials described the project as a “game changer” aligned with Uganda Vision 2040, with wide-ranging impacts on mobility, safety, and urban planning.

The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Hajjat Minsa Kabanda said the project is central to delivering Kampala’s long-term transformation, noting that improved roads are critical to economic growth and quality of life.

“Roads improve mobility, connect communities, and unlock opportunity,” Kabanda said, urging contractors to maintain quality standards and deliver within set timelines. She also called on communities to safeguard infrastructure and the media to play a constructive watchdog role.

“Accurately inform the public, highlight progress, and constructively critique us where necessary,” she said.

KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi struck a reflective tone, acknowledging the disruption caused by ongoing works while emphasizing the long-term gains.

“We have moved from being a city riddled with potholes to almost a construction site,” Kigenyi said. “We know we have dug up roads, caused traffic gridlock, and inconvenienced many. But this is for the good of Kampala, you have to break eggs to make an omelette.”

Under the KCRRP, more than 120 kilometers of roads are being upgraded, including key routes such as Salaama Road, Spring Road, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Seventh Street, Portbell, Spring, Old Mubende and Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road. Works on corridors like Mpererwe–Kiteezi-Kiti Road are also going to commence.

The project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), commenced in 2023 and goes beyond road surfacing. It includes drainage upgrades to curb flooding, installation of street lighting to improve safety, and the introduction of signalised junctions to ease traffic flow at hotspots.

Kigenyi said flooding in parts of the city has already reduced due to improved drainage systems, while new lighting infrastructure has enhanced nighttime safety.

Despite the progress, officials acknowledged persistent challenges, including delays in acquiring right of way, relocation of utility lines, and vandalism of infrastructure. Kigenyi urged both communities and the media to help spotlight and curb such practices.

“We have installed service ducts along these roads to eliminate overhead wiring. We must protect this infrastructure,” he said, warning against destructive acts such as burning tyres on newly constructed roads.

Kigenyi credited Kampala residents for their patience amid noise, dust, and traffic disruptions, noting that the transformation underway is unprecedented in the city’s recent history.

Project Coordinator Eng. Jacob Byamukama highlighted the environmental component, revealing plans to plant 10,000 trees across the city. He noted that for every tree removed during construction, contractors are required to plant three replacements   separate from the 10,000-tree target.

The project also includes 134 kilometers of walkways, 22 upgraded junctions, and 30 public toilets, six markets, alongside investments in equipment such as graders, asphalt pavers, and soil stabilizers.

With civil works nearing completion and complementary components, like women empowerment, youth skilling and institutional capacity building underway, authorities say the KCRRP is setting the foundation for a smarter, more liveable Kampala.

“This is not just about roads,” the minister said. “It’s about the future of our city.”

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer