The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is currently in preliminary discussions with the World Bank to finance the city’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, a major step in addressing the growing traffic congestion that has long plagued Uganda’s capital. The initiative, which forms part of a larger urban mobility plan, aims to provide efficient and predictable transport services for Kampala’s metropolitan area, marking a significant milestone in efforts to modernize the city’s infrastructure.
KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki revealed that the initial phase of the BRT project will consist of a 14-kilometre route, stretching from City Square to Banda, Kalerwe, and Kibuye. The plan also includes provisions for a future 45-kilometre expansion, which could extend the network to Mukono, Kajjansi, and Kasangati. This would transform Kampala’s transportation system, providing an integrated solution alongside upgraded railway services for added convenience.
Tackling Traffic Congestion in Kampala
Kampala has faced persistent traffic congestion, which impacts both commuters and the economy. According to data from KCCA and the Ministry of Works, traffic delays and fuel wastage are costing the Ugandan economy an estimated Shs 2.8 trillion ($750 million) annually. The introduction of the BRT system aims to reduce these costs by creating a more efficient mass transit option, which will ease pressure on the city’s overstretched roads.
Kampala’s vehicle numbers have surged over 300% in the last decade, while road infrastructure growth has lagged far behind, contributing to slow traffic and increased travel times. Peak-hour speeds in Kampala’s central business district average just 8–12 km/h, a stark contrast to the global mobility standards needed for a thriving urban center. Introducing a structured mass transit system, such as BRT, could improve mobility, reduce congestion, and provide a much-needed solution to Kampala’s transportation woes.
The Broader Infrastructure Agenda
The BRT project is just one component of KCCA’s broader infrastructure agenda to revamp the city’s road network, drainage systems, and public spaces. KCCA has highlighted several urgent infrastructure needs, including road upgrades, drainage expansion, street lighting improvements, and lakefront development. However, with only 37% of Kampala’s roads paved and 28% considered in good condition, the city faces a significant investment challenge. KCCA estimates that Shs 1.344 trillion is required to bring half of the road network to a good or fair condition over the next decade.
The drainage system, which has long been inadequate to handle urban growth, also requires major investments under the Kampala Drainage Master Plan. With the BRT proposal and other initiatives, KCCA is aiming to lay the foundation for a more sustainable and efficient transportation network that can support Kampala’s future growth and help position the city as a leading urban hub in East Africa.
