BUZEKI PUSHES FOR QUALITY AND SPEED ON KAMPALA ROAD PROJECTS

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, spent her Saturday where she’s most at home, on the ground, in a safety vest, ensuring that every shilling invested in Kampala’s infrastructure counts.

Her inspection tour took her from Kira Road in Central Division, where the dual carriageway and drainage works are taking shape, to Katalemwa, Mukalazi, and Muganzirwanza Roads in Kawempe, roads that for years have been on motorists’ “least favorite list.”

Talking to the contractors, Hajjat Buzeki didn’t mince her words. She reminded contractors that the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP) is not business as usual, it’s a flagship investment co-financed by the Government of Uganda and the World Bank, designed to turn Kampala’s tired roads into modern, well-lit, flood-free roads.

“We must ensure quality and timely delivery. These projects are being implemented with public funds and under international supervision. We cannot compromise on standards,” Buzeki cautioned.

The Executive Director also called attention to safety concerns, directing contractors to ensure all work sites have proper barricades, signage, and safe pedestrian crossings to prevent accidents during construction.

“We have had cases where open trenches and unmarked ditches endanger road users. That must stop. Safety is non-negotiable,” she added.

Buzeki thanked city residents for their patience, acknowledging that the construction process has caused temporary disruptions but reaffirmed that the outcomes will be worth the wait.

“We appreciate the community for bearing with us. Once completed, these roads will ease movement, improve trade, and enhance service delivery. That is why continuous monitoring is key to detect and fix any defects early,” Buzeki said.

Under Phase I, GKMA-UDP is giving Kampala 15 upgraded roads, covering 19.85 kilometers across all divisions.

Once completed, the roads will feature covered drainage systems, walkways, street lighting, traffic lights at junctions, and underground utility ducts bringing Kampala’s infrastructure to modern urban standards.

The ongoing works include Ben Kiwanuka Street, Rashid Khamis Road, Old Kampala–Matia Mulumba, and Ginnery Road in Central Division; Kira, Muganzirwanza, Mukalazi, Katalemwa, and Kyebando 34X Roads in Kawempe; Nsambya Estate, Bemba, and Cape Villas/Wavamunno Roads in Makindye; and Ntake Road, Road Master Link, and Kigobe Road in Rubaga Division.

Speaking during the inspection, Eng. Kyobe Richard, Head of Construction at Multiplex Ltd, one of the implementing contractors, expressed commitment to accelerating the works while maintaining the required standards.

“We are increasing our manpower and equipment on site to recover lost time. Some delays have been caused by relocation of utility lines, but we are working closely with KCCA and service providers to resolve these bottlenecks,” Kyobe noted.

The GKMA-UDP, which extends beyond Kampala to include Entebbe, Kira, Mukono, Nansana, and Makindye–Ssabagabo, seeks to create a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable metropolitan transport network.

KCCA says the first phase of the project will be completed by September 2026, marking a major milestone in the city’s long-term infrastructure development and urban transformation agenda.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer