AFDB COMMENDS KCCA FOR TRANSPARENT DELIVERY OF KAMPALA CITY ROADS REHABILITATION PROJECT

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has commended the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for the transparent and efficient implementation of the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP), citing the project’s clean track record free of embezzlement, corruption and procurement irregularities.

The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the AfDB Country Manager, Mr. Themba Bhebhe, to KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, at City Hall. Bhebhe noted that the project had continued to effectively disburse loan funds, which he said reflected strong financial management, accountability and institutional discipline within KCCA.

While recognising the progress achieved under the project, Bhebhe urged the Authority to fast-track the completion of all outstanding contracts and maintain strict adherence to environmental and social safeguards. He emphasised that these measures are critical to ensuring that the remaining works are completed efficiently and without adverse social or environmental consequences.

In response, ED Buzeki thanked the African Development Bank for its continued financial and technical oversight, noting that the Bank’s support has been instrumental in guiding the successful implementation of the project. She reaffirmed KCCA’s commitment to completing all outstanding contracts within schedule and in accordance with the required standards.

Buzeki also appealed to the Bank to consider financing future integrated transport projects being developed by KCCA as the Authority continues to modernise Kampala’s transport infrastructure and improve urban mobility. She noted that continued investment in integrated transport solutions will be critical to addressing congestion and creating a more efficient, accessible and sustainable city transport system.

Transforming Kampala’s Road Network

The KCRRP is a 7-year, US$288 million project funded by the African Development Bank and African Development Fund. The loan became effective in July 2021, with KCCA responsible for implementation. The project is designed to improve transport efficiency by expanding and upgrading Kampala’s road network, easing traffic congestion and supporting cleaner and more sustainable urban mobility.

Following delays associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation of physical works commenced in 2022. By April 2026, the project had achieved approximately 78 percent completion, positioning it as one of KCCA’s flagship infrastructure programmes and a significant contributor to Kampala’s transformation into a more modern and resilient city in line with Uganda’s Vision 2040.

The project is upgrading more than 78 kilometres of roads across Kampala, including major corridors such as Salaama Road, Spring Road, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Streets, Portbell Road, Old Mubende Road and Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road. It also incorporates previously rehabilitated stretches, including Wamala Road in Rubaga Division, while additional corridors such as the Mpererwe–Kiteezi–Kiti Road have been brought into the programme.

Beyond road rehabilitation, the KCRRP includes a range of complementary infrastructure aimed at improving the overall quality and efficiency of urban transport. These include the refurbishment of 22 traffic junctions, construction of over 148 kilometres of non-motorised transport facilities (walkways), energy-efficient street lighting, drainage improvements and signalisation of key junctions to ease traffic flow at congestion hotspots.

The KCRRP remains a major partnership between KCCA and the African Development Bank in reshaping Kampala’s urban mobility landscape. With the project entering its final stages, KCCA says it remains committed to completing the outstanding works while maintaining the standards of accountability, environmental protection and social responsibility highlighted by the Bank.

By John Paul Agaba