The Ugandan government is poised to kickstart an ambitious road infrastructure project in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), marking a significant milestone in the country’s urban development efforts.

The five-year initiative will cover over 140 kilometers of road network, enhancing connectivity and addressing longstanding urban challenges such as traffic congestion and flooding.

The GKMA encompasses Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Mpigi, Wakiso, and Mukono districts, along with municipalities like Nansana, Kira, Mukono, Makindye-Ssabagabo, and Entebbe. This expansive project is set to transform these regions into more efficient urban centers, fostering sustainable economic growth.

At a press briefing held at the Uganda Media Centre, State Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Christopher Kyofatogabye, announced that President Museveni will officially launch the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP) next week in Kira Municipality.

He added that the program’s primary goal is to improve urban livability, boost economic activity, and create a more resilient and eco-friendly metropolitan area.

Kyofatogabye highlighted the significant financial backing behind the project, which includes a World Bank credit facility of $518 million (approximately UGX 1.9 trillion) and a grant of $48 million (about UGX 177.7 billion). The program will also receive €40 million (UGX 163.8 billion) in co-financing from Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and contributions from the Ugandan government.

“This program is a key step towards expanding our national paved road network and improving road maintenance, extending the life of the infrastructure by 15 to 20 years, and addressing some of the persistent challenges in urban areas,” Kyofatogabye said.

The infrastructure works will be implemented in three phases, with initial contracts already signed for Kira and Mukono municipalities. Roadworks in other areas are expected to commence in early 2025, following a recent advertisement for contracts covering six additional municipalities.

Kampala itself will see 21.1 kilometers of roads upgraded, including key arteries such as Ben Kiwanuka Street, Rashid Khamis Road, and Old Kampala Ring Road. In Nansana, 12.81 kilometers of road, including the Nansana-Wamala Katooke and Maganjo Jinja Kalori Link, are slated for improvement. Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality will benefit from 10.1 kilometers of road upgrades, while Wakiso District will receive an extensive 29.4 kilometers of new road networks. Entebbe and Mpigi districts will also see significant road construction, with 3.5 kilometers and 15.6 kilometers planned, respectively.

Ms. Phan Huyen, a senior urban specialist with the World Bank, emphasized the importance of the project in fostering sustainable urban growth. She noted that the road designs would not only improve traffic flow but also include environmentally friendly features such as walkways and green spaces to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the project is expected to generate jobs for local communities during its implementation.

“The World Bank remains committed to supporting Uganda’s urban development agenda. This project is an essential component of ensuring the GKMA grows in a sustainable, resilient way,” Ms. Huyen stated.

The GKMA-UDP is a critical step towards transforming Kampala and its surrounding districts into a model metropolitan area, promoting not only infrastructure improvements but also economic opportunities and environmental sustainability.

The official launch of the project in Kira next week signals the beginning of a comprehensive effort to tackle the region’s infrastructure deficits and improve the quality of life for residents.