The Kampala city roads rehabilitation project is transforming the capital’s transportation system. For years, residents endured pothole-ridden roads and flooding, but things are finally improving.
Julius, a boda boda rider based along 8th Street in the Industrial Area, says these improvements have made his rides much smoother. Previously, potholes caused him back pain and frequent tyre damage. “Now I can ride without worrying about pain or constant repairs,” he said.
Likewise, pedestrians have noticed positive changes. Ms. Angella Namukuve, a trader from Namuwongo, appreciates the new walkways. “We walk alongside traffic every day. The new pavements reduce accidents and give us peace of mind,” she explained.
In fact, a recent study by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) shows that over 50% of Kampala’s workforce walks to and from the city centre daily. The research, conducted across 14 African cities, promotes fair urban planning and equal mobility access.
According to Mr. Daniel NuweAbine, spokesperson for Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Kampala city roads rehabilitation project is moving forward steadily. “We are working on Salama, Sentema, Sir Apollo Kagwa, 6th, 7th, and 8th Streets, plus Namuwongo Road. Most of them should be completed by December,” he said.
Funded by the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund, the project has a $288 million (Shs1.028 trillion) budget. It includes 69.7 km of new roads, 123 km of non-motorised transport infrastructure, and 22 improved traffic junctions.
Moreover, the plan includes the installation of 1,600 energy-efficient streetlights, drainage upgrades, public toilets, six markets for women vendors, parking lots, and new bus depots. Tree planting is also part of the green city initiative.
KCCA’s Executive Director, Ms. Sharifah Buzeki, said roadworks have gained momentum. “We intensified supervision—both during the day and at night—after some contractors failed to meet deadlines,” she explained.
As a result of public complaints, KCCA ordered faster progress. “Some businesses had stalled due to road closures. We visited Kisenyi and Salama roads. Both are now active again and moving in the right direction,” Ms. Buzeki said.
Kisenyi Road stretches one kilometre and connects St. Balikuddembe Market to Rubaga Road. Upon completion, it will improve access to one of Kampala’s largest produce trading hubs.
Mr. Henry Kusolo, deputy project manager, added that Lot 4—covering Salama, Kyebando Kisasi, Queens Way, and sections of the Northern Bypass—is on track. However, he acknowledged earlier delays due to sourcing materials from distant locations and resolving land access disputes.
Despite these challenges, the team remains committed to meeting deadlines. Experts argue that road investment leads to long-term gains. A 2017 World Bank study estimated that traffic congestion in Kampala costs the economy over $800 million annually and wastes 24,000 man-hours every day.
Therefore, the Kampala city roads rehabilitation project is more than just roadwork—it’s a blueprint for economic recovery and urban mobility. It offers traders, commuters, and pedestrians a safer, more efficient city experience.
In the coming months, KCCA urges all road users to stay patient as final phases of construction continue. For ongoing project updates and road alerts, residents can follow KCCA channels or visit the African Development Bank’s website.
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