In a landmark move to overhaul Kampala’s road infrastructure and tackle persistent traffic congestion, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched a UGX 149 billion reconstruction project targeting 15 strategically important roads across the city. Spanning 19.85 kilometers, the initiative marks the first phase of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP), jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and the World Bank.
The selected roads—long plagued by potholes, poor drainage, and frequent gridlocks—will undergo complete rehabilitation and upgrading. Once completed, the improvements are expected to enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and improve road safety for both motorists and pedestrians.
Construction activities will extend across all five city divisions: Kawempe, Nakawa, Rubaga, Makindye, and Central. The project is a cornerstone of broader efforts to decongest Kampala, promote sustainable urban development, and support the city’s growing population and economic activity. Roads were selected based on traffic volume, strategic importance, and existing conditions that have hindered effective urban mobility.
Roads Targeted for Reconstruction
The project, expected to be completed by September 2026, includes:
- Central Division: Ben Kiwanuka Street, Rashid Khamis Road, Old Kampala/Matia Mulumba, Ginnery Road
- Kawempe Division: Kira Road, Muganzirwazza, Mukalazi, Katalemwa, Kyebando 34X
- Makindye Division: Nsambya Estate, Bemba, Cape Villas/Wavamunno
- Rubaga Division: Ntake Road, Road Master Link, Kigobe Road
These roads will be reconstructed to modern urban standards, featuring walkways, covered drainage systems, street lighting, and underground ducting for utilities. According to KCCA, these enhancements will not only ease movement but also boost safety, trade, and service delivery.
Leadership Voices and Public Engagement
Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony and urged residents to support the project by voluntarily providing land for road expansion. “Many road projects have stalled in the past because of land wrangles and compensation demands,” she said. “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 project’s launch and thanked the government for its financial commitment. She announced that an additional UGX 202 billion has been allocated for road upgrades in the 2025/2026 financial year. “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,” she emphasized.
Representing Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Olive Namazzi, Secretary for Social Services, urged contractors to adhere to timelines and technical standards. “We do not want shoddy work. Every road must meet engineering specifications. We are watching closely,” she warned.
Monica Edemachu, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Kampala, stressed the importance of prioritizing local employment and ensuring 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, called for expedited works, noting that residents have endured poor road conditions for too long.
A Vision for Metropolitan Integration
The GKMA-UDP aims to integrate infrastructure development across Kampala and surrounding areas, including Entebbe, Kira, Mukono, Nansana, and Makindye-Ssabagabo. The program is expected to improve connectivity, create jobs, and promote resilience by strengthening urban infrastructure throughout the greater metropolitan region.
As construction begins, KCCA has pledged close monitoring, transparency, and public engagement to ensure the project delivers lasting impact. “This is not just about tarmac,” said Buzeki. “It’s about building a future-ready city.”
