KCCA BEGINS RECONSTRUCTION OF 15 STRATEGIC CITY ROADS

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched a UGX 149 billion road construction works covering 15 roads across the city, in a major push to overhaul Kampala’s road network and ease traffic congestion.

The roads, measuring 19.85 kilometers which have long suffered from potholes, poor drainage, and chronic traffic bottlenecks, will be upgraded under the first phase of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP), a flagship initiative co-financed by the Government of Uganda and the World Bank.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at Komamboga Grounds in Kawempe Division, on June 20, marking the official start of construction works on a network that spans all five city divisions.

The project, which is expected to be completed by September 2026, will include key roads such as Ben Kiwanuka Street, Rashid Khamis Road, Old Kampala/Matia Mulumba, and Ginnery Road in Central Division; Kira, Muganzirwazza, Mukalazi, Katalemwa, Kyebando 34X roads in Kawempe; Nsambya Estate, Bemba, and Cape Villas/Wavamunno roads in Makindye; and Ntake Road, Road Master Link and Kigobe Road in Rubaga Division.

The roads will be reconstructed to modern urban standards, complete with walkways, covered drainage systems, street lighting, and underground ducting for utilities, features that KCCA says will not only ease movement but also boost safety, trade, and service delivery.

Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, who officiated the groundbreaking, called on residents to support the project by voluntarily providing land for road expansion, noting that the government does not have funds for compensation.

“Many road projects have stalled in the past because of land wrangles and compensation demands,” said Minister Kabanda. “We are asking for cooperation. If the public offers land voluntarily, we can transform our city and make it accessible for everyone.”

KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki welcomed the start of the project and thanked the government for the financial commitment. She revealed that in the upcoming financial year 2025/2026, an additional Shs202 billion has been allocated for more road upgrades in the city.

“We are grateful, but this investment must come with quality. Contractors must keep roads motorable even during construction and ensure sites are safe and orderly,” Buzeki said, warning against delays and substandard work.

Representing Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, the Secretary for Social Services, Olive Namazzi, urged contractors to stick to timelines and comply with all technical standards.

“We do not want shoddy work. Every road must meet engineering specifications. We are watching closely,” Namazzi warned.

Monica Edemachu, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Kampala, stressed the need to prioritize local employment during construction and ensure all machinery is operational.

MP Ronald Balimwezo, Chairperson of the KCCA Roads Committee, emphasized long-term sustainability: “We don’t just want roads built. We want them maintained. I’m encouraged that local contractors are involved. It’s time for delivery.”

Thadeous Musoke, Chairperson of the Kampala Metropolitan Development Forum, urged for expedited works, saying residents have suffered poor road conditions for too long.

The GKMA-UDP aims to integrate infrastructure development across Kampala and its surrounding areas, including Entebbe, Kira, Mukono, Nansana, and Makindye-Ssabagabo.

It is expected to improve connectivity, create jobs, and promote resilience by strengthening urban infrastructure in the greater metropolitan region.

As works get underway, KCCA has pledged close monitoring, transparency, and engagement with the public to ensure the project delivers lasting impact.

“This is not just about tarmac,” said Buzeki. “It’s about building a future-ready city.”

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer