Kampala is set for a massive infrastructure facelift! The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has officially partnered with UK-based global infrastructure giant COLAS to launch the Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project (KCRBUP). This landmark initiative will see more than 118 roads across all five city divisions rehabilitated and upgraded over the next four years.
Project Scope and Funding
Valued at €250 million, the project is fully funded by UK Export Finance (UKEF). The improvements will span all five divisions, with Central Division leading the way with 54 roads, followed by Nakawa (27), Kawempe (15), Makindye (14), and Rubaga (8).
Beyond road reconstruction, the project includes the construction of modern walkways, buried drainage systems, solar street lighting, and extensive landscaping. These additions aim to improve safety, ease traffic congestion, and beautify the city.
Three modern pedestrian bridges will also be constructed at strategic locations: Uganda Management Institute along Jinja Road, Kawempe Hospital, and Queensway along Entebbe Road, enhancing safety and mobility for pedestrians.
A Vision for a Transformed Kampala
The agreement was formalized at the Mayor’s Parlor on Thursday, with key figures in attendance including Minister for Kampala Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, State Minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye, KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and the Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew.
KCCA Executive Director Buzeki emphasized the transformative impact, stating, “This partnership marks a significant step toward transforming Kampala into a resilient, livable, and sustainable city. Our residents deserve safe, accessible, and beautiful roads, and this project brings that vision to life.”
This new deal complements KCCA’s existing road improvement efforts, such as the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP) covering 70 kilometers, and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) Urban Development Programme targeting at least 81 kilometers. Combined, these initiatives are set to significantly improve road connectivity, stormwater drainage, and urban mobility across Kampala.
Local Benefits and UK-Uganda Partnership
Minister Kabanda stressed the importance of strict supervision and the utilization of local resources. “We must ensure Ugandans benefit directly from this investment,” she urged. The project is expected to directly employ 200 to 300 Ugandans, with at least 40% of the work subcontracted to local firms. A significant portion of construction materials will also be sourced locally.
Deputy British High Commissioner Tiffany Kirlew highlighted the strong ties between Uganda and the UK, noting, “This is the sixth major infrastructure project supported by UKEF in Uganda and the second for COLAS in the last eight years. At financial close, the total UKEF portfolio with Uganda will exceed $1 billion. This demonstrates the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Uganda’s development.”
COLAS’s Commitment to Sustainable Development
COLAS, a global firm operating in over 50 countries, has pledged to implement the Kampala project using low-carbon technologies and innovative construction methods. Their plans include recycling existing road materials and deploying efficient traffic management systems to minimize disruption during construction.
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago welcomed the investment, calling it “a great moment” for Kampala and expressing confidence that it will significantly improve the city’s infrastructure. COLAS Country Manager, Eng. Lars Jensen, thanked the government and KCCA for their trust, assuring that the project will adhere to global best practices in safety, transparency, and sustainability.
This project further solidifies COLAS’s presence in Uganda, building on their involvement in the ongoing construction of the Kabalega International Airport in Hoima.
Roads Earmarked for Upgrade
Some of the roads slated for improvement include:
Central Division: Kamwokya–Mbazira Road, Clinic Road, Gowan Road, Katale Road, Katoogo Road, Kelementi Lubwama Road, Mulago Church Road, Mulwanyamuli Road, and Ssebagala Road.
Makindye and Surrounding Areas: St. Kizito Jambula Road, Junju Road, Buziga Islamic Road, Kabali Kabwa Road, Kakembo Road, Kansanga Kiwafu Road, Kiyingi Road, Lubowa Road, Muwuliriza Road, and Tank Hill Bypass.
Other Key Areas: Faraday Road, Kampala Road, Kirombe Road, Mulwana Kibira Road, and Naalya Road, enhancing connectivity across central and suburban Kampala.
With works expected to commence shortly, Kampala residents can look forward to smoother, safer, and greener roads, paving the way for a capital city fit for the future.
