GKMA URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TAKES OFF WITH ROAD WORKS CONTRACT SIGNING

The long-anticipated Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP) has taken a major step forward with the official signing of contracts for road works under its first phase in Kampala.

Under the first phase, a total of 19.85 kilometers of roads will be constructed, with the entire program targeting 74.5 kilometers.

The roads set for rehabilitation and upgrading include Nsambya Estate Road, Bemba Road, Cape Villas, and Wavamuno Road by UCA Insaat contractors; Kira Road by China Railway Seventh Group; Muganzirwaza, Mukalazi, Katalema, and Kyebando Roads by Multiplex; and Ntake and Kigobe Roads by BuildTrust Construction Ltd.

The contract signing ceremony, held in Kampala, was attended by key government officials, contractors, and stakeholders. The event marked the commencement of physical implementation of a project that has been in the pipeline since 2017.

State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, expressed satisfaction that some Ugandan companies had secured contracts under the project. He urged them to prove their competence and deliver high-quality work.

“I am happy that local companies have been given contracts under this project. Do your job and dispel the fallacy that Ugandan companies cannot deliver big projects,” Minister Kabuye said. “I want to see that 95% of the 74.5 kilometers of roads under this project are executed by Ugandan companies so that the money remains in our economy. However, ensure quality work.”

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago described the event as historic, emphasizing the project’s long-awaited transition from planning to execution. He urged contractors to adhere to the initial project reports and uphold efficiency.

“This is a result-oriented project, and financing and continued support will depend on your efficiency,” Lukwago stated. “We must appreciate the critical infrastructure challenges our city faces, and we demand value for money. Those responsible for supervision must ensure that the work is done effectively.”

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, reiterated the project’s importance, expressing gratitude to the Government of Uganda for fostering a stable environment that enables such developments. She also acknowledged the World Bank and the French Development Agency for their financial support.

“We are grateful to the government for ensuring peace, which makes these developments possible. We also appreciate the World Bank and the French Development Agency for financing this project,” Buzeki said. She further commended politicians for their role in mobilizing public support, particularly in acquiring the right of way for the roads.

Engineer Justus Akankwasa, KCCA’s Director for Engineering and Technical Services, provided a detailed overview of the project, revealing that seven contracts had been awarded—three for supervision and four for civil works.

He emphasized the need for strict adherence to environmental and social safeguard measures while urging contractors to ensure high-quality work and minimize disruptions to residents.

“This is a results-based project, and timely completion is crucial. We encourage contractors to work at night where possible and limit disruptive activities during the day,” Akankwasa said. “Traffic diversion plans must be communicated well in advance to avoid inconveniences.”

The GKMA-UDP encompasses not only Kampala but also other key areas such as Entebbe, Kira, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Mukono, Nansana, and the districts of Mukono, Mpigi, and Wakiso.

The program's focus areas include enhancing mobility and accessibility through road upgrades, bolstering urban resilience with drainage infrastructure, fostering job creation through workspace establishment, and strengthening institutional capacity for coordinated planning and investment in infrastructure.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer