Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched the reconstruction of 15 roads in the city under a UGX 149 billion infrastructure project aimed at improving urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing service delivery.
The roadworks, totaling 19.85 kilometers, are part of 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.
The roads—spread across Kampala’s five divisions—have long been plagued by potholes, poor drainage, and traffic bottlenecks. Upgrades will include modern walkways, covered drainage channels, street lighting, and underground utility ducting.
Key roads to be rehabilitated include Ben Kiwanuka Street, Rashid Khamis Road, and Ginnery Road in Central Division; Kira and Kyebando 34X in Kawempe; Nsambya Estate and Bemba Road in Makindye; and Kigobe Road in Rubaga Division. The project is expected to be completed by September 2026.
Government Calls for Public Cooperation
Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, officiated the launch and appealed to residents to voluntarily provide land for road expansion.
“Many road projects have stalled due to land wrangles and compensation demands,” said Kabanda. “We urge residents to support this initiative. If the public cooperates, we can transform Kampala into a truly accessible and modern city.”
Emphasis on Quality and Timely Delivery
KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki expressed gratitude for the funding and warned contractors against substandard work.
“This investment must result in quality infrastructure. Contractors must ensure roads remain usable during construction and that all worksites are safe,” Buzeki stated.
She revealed that an additional UGX 202 billion has been allocated for further road upgrades in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Representing Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Olive Namazzi, Secretary for Social Services, emphasized adherence to timelines and technical standards.
“We will not tolerate shoddy work. Every road must meet engineering standards. We are watching,” Namazzi said.
Focus on Local Labor and Accountability
Monica Edemachu, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Kampala, highlighted the importance of employing local residents and maintaining operational machinery throughout the project.
MP Ronald Balimwezo, Chairperson of the KCCA Roads Committee, called for sustainability beyond construction.
“We don’t just want roads built. We want them maintained. Involving local contractors is a step in the right direction,” Balimwezo said.
Thadeous Musoke, Chairperson of the Kampala Metropolitan Development Forum, urged contractors to speed up the works.
“City residents have endured poor road conditions for too long. We must deliver quickly and efficiently,” he said.
A Vision for a Resilient Urban Future
The GKMA-UDP is designed to improve urban infrastructure and foster integrated development across Kampala and neighboring towns, including Kira, Mukono, Entebbe, Nansana, and Makindye-Ssabagabo.
The project aims to improve connectivity, create jobs, and build resilience by strengthening critical urban infrastructure in the greater metropolitan area.
“This is not just about laying tarmac,” Buzeki concluded. “It’s about building a future-ready city that serves all its residents.”
