Construction works on the 72.5-kilometer Kampala-Nakawuka-Nateete-Mpigi road project are progressing steadily despite delays in land acquisition and compensation, according to the government.
The government-funded project is being implemented by China Communications Construction Company under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Transport. The initiative aims to upgrade key links in Wakiso, Mpigi and parts of Kampala by paving existing gravel roads with asphalt.
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Current works include earthworks, swamp treatment and the installation of drainage infrastructure, such as box culverts and concrete drains.
Project site engineer Benjamin Simon Kayemba said last week at Nakawuka that the roads will range in width from 12 meters in rural sections to 19 meters in urban areas. The design includes sidewalks, green belts and parking lanes to improve mobility.
Kayemba noted that construction is being hindered because only 7.9 kilometers of the 20 kilometers handed over so far form a continuous stretch.
The biggest challenge remains compensation, Kayemba said. We appeal for the right of way from Kisubi to Nakawuka to be expedited. Once this is resolved, we are confident of delivering the project on time.
The contractor estimates that 13 percent of the project is complete. Construction began in October 2024.
Regarding concerns over dust, Kayemba said mitigation measures are being used daily in active zones and asked residents for patience.
Allan Ssempebwa, senior communications officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, attributed the compensation delays to funding shortages for the land acquisition bill.
The government has delivered 8 kilometers out of 13 kilometers on the Kisubi-Nakawuka link, 5 kilometers of the 11-kilometer Nakawuka-Maya stretch, and 8 kilometers of the 20-kilometer Nakawuka-Kasanje-Mpigi link, Ssempebwa said.
He added that additional payments for affected persons are expected under a forthcoming supplementary budget.
The project is divided into five sections: Kisubi-Nakawuka-Nateete, Nakawuka-Kasanje-Mpigi, Nakawuka-Mawagulu-Nanziga-Maya, Kasanje-Buwaya and Entebbe-Nakiwogo.
