The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has commenced the construction of 19.85 kilometers of roads across all five city divisions under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Urban Development Project.
The project includes key roads such as Ben Kiwanuka Road (1.4 km), Matia Mulumba Road (0.3 km), Rashid Khamis Road (0.8 km), and Ginnery Road (0.2 km). Other roads set for construction are Kira Road, Ntake Road, Kigobe Road, Mukalazi Road, Muganzirwazza Road, Katalemwa Road, Kyebando 34x Road, Nsambya Estate Road, Bemba Road, and Cape Villa Wavamuno Road.
KCCA Executive Director Hajat Sharifa Buzeki announced that the project, funded by a 149 billion shilling World Bank loan, is expected to be completed within 18 months. She emphasized the need for contractors to adhere to timelines, maintain safety standards, and ensure proper waste management during construction.
Buzeki clarified that contractors would be responsible for cleanliness and waste management until the roads are officially handed over to KCCA. She warned against laxity, urging firms to maintain a safe and tidy work environment.
Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, Nakawa East Member of Parliament, praised KCCA for distributing contracts among multiple firms, including local company Multiplex. He noted that past projects faced delays and poor quality when single contractors were overburdened.
Kawempe Division Mayor Emanuel Sserunjogi called on residents to safeguard the new infrastructure, highlighting that four roads in his division would spur development. However, he revealed that two roads were excluded after residents refused to grant right of way without compensation.
Hajat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, cautioned against political interference, citing the stalled Nalukolongo channel project as an example. She urged residents to support construction without demanding payouts, as the World Bank loan does not cover compensation.
The new roads will feature wide walkways, security lighting, covered drainage, and utility corridors for water and internet infrastructure.