GKMA-UDP TO TRANSFORM CITY ROADS, DRAINAGE AND BOOST JOBS

The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP) is igniting a wave of excitement and anticipation among stakeholders as it ushers in a new era of urban transformation for Uganda's capital city and its surrounding areas.

With support from the Government of Uganda, the UGX 2.1 trillion GKMA-UDP aims to revolutionize Kampala's infrastructure landscape, fostering modernization, resilience, and inclusivity.

The GKMA-UDP encompasses not only Kampala but also other key areas such as Entebbe, Kira, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Mukono, Nansana, and the districts of Mukono, Mpigi, and Wakiso.

The program's focus areas include enhancing mobility and accessibility through road upgrades, bolstering urban resilience with drainage infrastructure, fostering job creation through workspace establishment, and strengthening institutional capacity for coordinated planning and investment in infrastructure.

During a sensitization workshop of city division leaders at the Fairway Hotel on Tuesday, Dorothy Kisaka, Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), underscored the transformative potential of the project.

"This project is important for our Smart City agenda," Kisaka remarked. "Through this initiative, we are fully committed to elevating our infrastructure and significantly enhancing the quality of life for all our community members."

She outlined the core pillars of the Smart City agenda, which include leveraging Technology for innovation and connectivity, upgrading Infrastructure such as roads and drainage systems, and prioritizing People's well-being, including crucial issues like air quality.

“Through this initiative, we are fully committed to elevating our infrastructure and significantly enhancing the quality of life for all our community members." Kisaka said

She appealed to the city's political leaders and residents alike to contribute to the smooth implementation of the project.

 “We are going to have several engagements to make sure the project succeeds,” Kisaka stated, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts among political leaders to ensure the program's success.

This programme aligns with Uganda's Vision 2040, which seeks to promote urban development and improve the quality of life for all citizens.

Olive Namazzi, representing the Lord Mayor of Kampala H.W Erias Lukwago, reiterated the project's significance."

"It is a project that is going to change our city infrastructure and the whole metropolitan area. We must ensure it succeeds," Namazzi urged.

The program's comprehensive approach includes installing street lights, traffic signalization, and creating an urban forest park to enhance the city's green spaces.

Geoffrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer