KCCA Gets Shs550 Billion for Kampala Road Upgrades
Major Infrastructure Projects Set to Transform Kampala
A significant initiative is underway to upgrade and reconstruct critical road infrastructure in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project (KCRBUP) aims to modernize 127 kilometers of roads and bridges, with an investment of Shs1 trillion (€250 million). This project is funded by UK Export Finance (UKEF), marking a major step in improving connectivity and infrastructure within the city.
The government has allocated Shs550 billion to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for the upgrade and reconstruction of 87 kilometers of roads in the city. This funding is part of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government's manifesto, which focuses on modernizing road infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across Kampala.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for Kabaka’s Lake Road, KCCA Executive Director Ms. Sharifah Buzeki highlighted the importance of the project. She emphasized that the three-year initiative is designed to transform the city's landscape and improve the quality of life for its residents. The first phase of the project will cover 24 roads, totaling 14.65 kilometers, with most expected to be completed within 18 months. However, Kabaka’s Lake Road is anticipated to be finished in just four months.
The list of roads included in the project is extensive and includes:
- Kabaka’s Lake Road
- Button Street link
- Bukoto Street
- Wilson Road
- Wilson Street
- Market Street
- Mengo-Kisenyi Link Road
- Erisa-Nkoyoyo Road
- Central Kisenyi Lane
- Market Service Lane
- Market Square
- Dastur Street
- Church Road
- Naava Road
- Church Lane II
- Kyeyune Road
- Lower Kololo Terrace
- Golf Course Road
- Nsamba Road
- St. Stephen Hospital Ring Road
- St. Barnabas Road
- Kalinabiri Road
- Mapeera Road
Ms. Buzeki expressed gratitude for the support from President Museveni, who directed the allocation of Shs550 billion to KCCA. She also acknowledged the role of Dott Services Limited, which has been contracted to carry out the upgrades under the supervision of MDW Consulting Limited.
Residents have played a vital role in supporting the project by offering land free of charge, without compensation for affected persons. This cooperation has been crucial in facilitating the project's progress. Additionally, the Kingdom of Buganda has shown strong commitment to the development of Kabaka’s Lake as a tourism destination.
The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Ms. Minsa Kabanda, urged contractors to maintain high standards of work, warning that contracts would be terminated if they fail to meet expectations. Kampala Lord Mayor Mr. Erias Lukwago emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the success of the projects.
Mr. Lukwago also highlighted several other key infrastructure projects currently underway in the city:
- The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Project worth $608 million, funded by the World Bank.
- The Kampala Road Rehabilitation Project (KRRP) worth $288 million, funded by the African Development Bank.
- A Shs1 trillion (€250 million) project to upgrade 127 kilometers of roads and bridges under the KCRBUP, funded by UKEF.
He noted that KCCA previously received Shs10 billion from the road fund and between Shs48 billion and Shs78 billion annually from the Government of Uganda. The new Shs550 billion investment is seen as a significant boost to the city's development.
Mr. Lukwago also praised the collaboration between the Buganda Kingdom and Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Church to transform Kabaka’s Lake into a world-class tourist center. Work has already begun on several components of this vision, including the sieving system, water purification pond, and drainage improvements around the lake.
Plans for Kabaka’s Lake include the development of a floating restaurant, a five-star hotel, and various tourist facilities. The lake, originally dug during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga, was intended to ease his movement between Mengo and Munyonyo Palace. The kingdom remains committed to restoring the lake's former glory and realizing its original purpose.
The ongoing efforts reflect a shared vision for prosperity and responsible development in Kampala. As these projects progress, they are expected to bring about significant changes to the city's infrastructure and overall quality of life.
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