By Fidel Boy Leon
Kampala is preparing for a shift in its urban mobility landscape through a €250 million investment aimed at transforming its deteriorating road infrastructure and modernising public spaces.
The Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project (KCRBUP), funded by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and implemented by UK-based infrastructure firm COLAS, will rehabilitate 118 roads across all five divisions of the capital over the next four years.
This ambitious initiative, which includes smart mobility upgrades such as solar lighting, pedestrian bridges, and buried drainage systems is part of a broader effort by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to reshape how people move through the city, reduce congestion, and improve safety.
The project’s scope spans the entire capital, with roads prioritised to:
• Central Division – 54 roads
• Nakawa – 27 roads
• Kawempe – 15 roads
• Makindye – 14 roads
• Rubaga – 8 roads
During the signing ceremony held at the Mayor’s Parlour, KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki said the project was a critical leap toward Kampala’s transformation into a modern, resilient, and liveable city.
“Our residents deserve safe, accessible, and beautiful roads, and this project brings that vision to life,” Buzeki remarked.
Key upgrades include modern walkways to enhance pedestrian safety, buried drainage systems to reduce flooding, and solar-powered street lighting to cut energy costs.
The project also features the construction of three pedestrian bridges at Uganda Management Institute (Jinja Road), Kawempe Hospital, and Queensway on Entebbe Road.
Complemented by landscaping and beautification efforts, these changes are expected to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, and promote a healthier, more liveable city.
The agreement marks COLAS’ second major infrastructure project in Uganda, following their role in building Kabalega International Airport in Hoima. The UK’s Deputy High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew, emphasised that this project reflects the UK’s long-standing commitment to supporting Uganda’s development.
“At financial close, the total UKEF portfolio with Uganda will exceed $1 billion,” she said. “This demonstrates the UK’s long-term commitment to Uganda.”
COLAS has pledged to use low-carbon construction methods, recycle existing road materials, and implement smart traffic systems to reduce disruption during construction.
The Kampala City Roads and Bridge Upgrading Project (KCRBUP) goes beyond infrastructure; it’s also a catalyst for job creation and local economic empowerment. The project is expected to directly employ between 200 and 300 Ugandans, with 40% of contracts awarded to local subcontractors.
In addition, the majority of construction materials will be sourced locally, ensuring that the benefits extend to domestic industries and suppliers while building national capacity.
“We must ensure Ugandans benefit directly from this investment,” said Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala, stressing the importance of transparency and local engagement:
Notable roads earmarked for rehabilitation include:
• Kamwokya–Mbazira Road, Clinic Road, Katale Road, Katoogo Road
• Kelemanti Lubwama Road, Mulago Church Road, Ssebagala Road
• In Makindye: St. Kizito Jambula Road, Buziga Islamic Road, Kansanga Kiwafu Road, Tank Hill Bypass
The €250 million Kampala City Roads and Bridge Upgrading Project complements several ongoing urban infrastructure initiatives. These include the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP), which is upgrading 70 kilometres of roads, and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) Urban Development Programme, targeting an additional 81 kilometres.
Together, these projects aim to establish a multi-modal, interconnected urban mobility network that promotes sustainable growth and improves transportation across the city and its surrounding areas.
“We wholeheartedly embrace this project. We are not doing well in terms of mobility, and this will significantly improve the city’s infrastructure.” Erias Lukwago, Kampala Lord Mayor, welcomed the development.
COLAS Country Manager Eng. Lars Jensen echoed the sentiment, thanking the government for its trust:
“We’re proud to contribute to Kampala’s transformation and will ensure global best practices in safety, transparency, and sustainability.”
From job creation and local contracting to climate-friendly technologies and multi-stakeholder engagement, Kampala’s €250M road overhaul is a masterclass in modernising urban transport. It promises a city that’s more navigable, inclusive, and prepared for the future.