KCCA STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF MAJOR NAMIREMBE ROAD BOX CULVERT

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has stepped up construction of critical drainage infrastructure across the city as part of ongoing efforts to build a more resilient Kampala, improve mobility and protect businesses and communities from the effects of heavy rainfall.

The latest intervention is the construction of a major precast reinforced concrete box culvert along Namirembe Road under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Project (GKMA-UDP).

The new drainage structure, measuring two metres wide and 1.5 metres high, will replace an older drainage and significantly increase the capacity to convey stormwater from the Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) corridor, Luwum Street and surrounding roads into the Nakivubo drainage system.

The project is expected to benefit road users, pedestrians and businesses like Totala arcade which have been affected by water accumulation during heavy rains.

Speaking during a site inspection on Monday afternoon, KCCA Spokesperson Daniel Nuweabine said the works are part of the Authority's long-term investment in modern drainage infrastructure to support Kampala's growing urban population.

"The new box culvert has been designed to accommodate a much larger volume of stormwater. Water flowing from the Non-Motorised Transport corridor, Luwum Street and adjacent roads will now be channelled more efficiently into the Nakivubo drainage system, improving drainage along this section of the city," Nuweabine said.

The Namirembe Road works complement ongoing construction of longitudinal drainage along Ben Kiwanuka Street also being implemented under GKMA-UDP to strengthen the city's stormwater management network.

Nuweabine called for patience as the Authority completes the drainage and road works.

KCCA has also completed the construction of 15 culvert crossings along Allen Road and Ssebana Road. The crossings have enhanced stormwater flow, improving drainage within the Nakivubo catchment and supporting smoother movement for motorists and pedestrians in the central business district.

These interventions build on KCCA's broader programme to modernise Kampala's drainage infrastructure.

KCCA has this financial year received close to UGX 25billion for the review of the Kampala Drainage Master Plan.

Over the past few years, the Authority has rehabilitated 9.2 kilometres of the Nakivubo drainage channel, constructed the Nakamiro primary drainage channel and completed 4.9 kilometres of the Lubigi drainage channel.

Compensation for project-affected persons along the remaining 980-metre section of Lubigi has also been completed, paving the way for the final phase of works.

In addition, KCCA has constructed community drainage systems and box culverts at key flood-prone locations, including the Auto Spa area, to improve stormwater conveyance and strengthen the city's drainage capacity.

The Authority has also continued desilting and widening major drainage channels, including Nakivubo, Nalukolongo and Kiwuunya, to maintain efficient water flow and safeguard surrounding communities.

Kampala's drainage network extends approximately 362.3 kilometres across eight major drainage catchments: Nakivubo, Lubigi, Walufumbe, Nalukolongo, Kansanga, Kinawataka, Nakamiro and Mayanja. Continuous investment in this network remains central to KCCA's efforts to support sustainable urban growth, improve public infrastructure and create a safer, more liveable city.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer