KIGENYI ASSURES RESIDENTS OF SAFETY AS CITY ROAD WORKS PROGRESS

Deputy Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Benon Kigenyi has inspected ongoing road works under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP), assuring Kampala residents that safety, access to businesses and quality construction remain top priorities as the city upgrades key roads.

Kigenyi toured works on Old Kampala–Matia Mulumba Road, Rashid Khamis Road, Ben Kiwanuka Street, Martin Road and Ginnery Road, roads that serve thousands of commuters, traders and pedestrians every day. The works are being implemented by the Sterling–RAM Joint Venture.

Accompanied by GKMA-UDP Project Coordinator Emmanuel Gabula, Kigenyi directed contractors to immediately address safety risks at all active sites, including sealing open manholes, installing clear warning signage and providing temporary ramps to allow safe pedestrian movement.

“Before anything else, safety first. People must move safely as works go on,” Kigenyi said.

He emphasized that construction should not shut down livelihoods, directing that shops, businesses and homes along the roads remain accessible throughout the works. He also instructed contractors to regularly water the roads to reduce dust and inconvenience to nearby communities.

According to project updates, the Old Kampala-Matia Mulumba section is about 30 percent complete, while Rashid Khamis Road stands at 22 percent. Construction works on Ben Kiwanuka Street are scheduled to start in February.

Drainage works across the project area are nearly complete at 98 percent, a key milestone expected to significantly reduce flooding in surrounding neighborhoods. Progress has also been registered on pavement layers.

The project includes construction of pedestrian walkways, installation of street lighting and signalization of two junctions to improve traffic flow and road safety within the city.

Kigenyi said the project is on track, noting that relocation of utility lines is ongoing. He added that service ducts are being installed to better organize utilities and reduce future disruptions to newly completed roads.

The GKMA-UDP is transforming transport and drainage infrastructure in Kampala and neighboring urban areas, with the aim of easing daily movement, improving road safety, reducing flooding and supporting economic activity across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer