LORD MAYOR INSPECTS KAWEMPE ROADS AHEAD OF UPGRADE

The Lord Mayor of Kampala, His Worship Erias Lukwago, accompanied by Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura and Kawempe Division Mayor Emmanuel Sserunjoji, has conducted an on-site tour of four critical roads slated for reconstruction under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP).

The roads, including Muganzilwaza, Mukalazi, Katalemwa, and Kyebando 34X, are located in Kawempe Division and have long been in dire condition, impeding access, mobility, and economic activity in one of the city's most populated divisions. The contract for their upgrade were awarded to local contractors Multiplex Ltd, with physical works set to commence soon. Also on the tour were the KCCA Council Central Executive Committee members, councilors and other local leaders.

"This is a Shs 26 billion investment in transforming Kawempe’s infrastructure," Lukwago revealed during the tour.

"We must ensure that these roads are motorable even before construction begins. Forward maintenance is essential, and utility lines must be relocated swiftly to avoid delays."

The contracts, awarded on February 28, 2025, had been delayed due to land acquisition challenges. However, according to officials, several residents have since voluntarily surrendered portions of land to facilitate road construction.

"Muganzilwazi is not just another road it’s a historical link for communities. Its upgrade is long overdue," the Lord Mayor noted.

Deputy Lord Mayor Nyanjura emphasized quality and durability. “These roads must be constructed to last at least 15 years. We expect Multiplex to deliver excellent work that meets the expectations of the people,” she said.

Kawempe Mayor Sserunjoji expressed delight that the new roads would come with pedestrian walkways, street lighting, and improved drainage.

"This will not only ease movement but also enhance safety and resilience against flooding," Sserunjoji said.

The roads will feature street lights, walkways, covered drainage, duct lines, and other urban infrastructure, according to Emmanuel Gabula, the Project Coordinator of GKMA-UDP who represented the KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, during the tour. He urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure.

“Let’s protect what is ours. No vandalism, and no dumping garbage in the drainage systems if we want these roads to last their full lifespan.” Gabula said.

The road upgrades in Kawempe are part of the first phase of the GKMA-UDP, which will cover a total of 19.85 kilometers, with the overall program targeting 74.5 kilometers across the city.

Other roads earmarked for rehabilitation under phase one of the program include Nsambya Estate Road, Bemba Road, Cape Villas, and Wavamuno Road (by UCA Insaat Contractors); Kira Road (by China Railway Seventh Group); and Ntake and Kigobe Roads (by BuildTrust Construction Ltd).

The GKMA-UDP is a flagship government initiative aimed at modernizing urban infrastructure in Kampala and satellite areas including Entebbe, Kira, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Mukono Municipality, Nansana, and the districts of Mukono, Mpigi, and Wakiso.

It focuses on improving mobility, strengthening urban resilience, creating jobs, and enhancing coordinated urban planning and infrastructure investment.

As the Lord Mayor's team left the dusty stretches of Muganzilwazi Road, optimism was in the air. If executed well, the project promises not just better roads but a transformation in how Kampala and its surrounding districts move, connect, and grow.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer