The Kampala roads and bridges upgrade has officially started after Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) signed a Shs1 trillion deal with COLAS Limited. The United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) is funding the project to improve city transport and infrastructure.
The Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project (KCRBUP) will cover 127 kilometres across all five city divisions. It includes new pedestrian bridges, solar-powered street lights, drainage systems, walkways, and cycling lanes.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki called the project a flagship effort. She said the fast-tracked design-and-build model will reduce delays and deliver quicker results.
The upgrade uses innovative road technology. It features COLMAT, a cost-efficient micro-surfacing binder, and RECYCOL, a pavement recycling method. These solutions aim to reduce costs and extend the roads’ lifespan.
The initiative supports Uganda’s 2010–2026 National Resistance Movement manifesto. It reflects a broader effort to modernize Kampala’s infrastructure.
Tiffany Kirlew, Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, highlighted the strong UK-Uganda partnership. She noted that this is UKEF’s sixth major project in Uganda, pushing its total investment in the country beyond $1 billion.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago welcomed the project, calling it long overdue. He revealed that only 770 kilometres of Kampala’s 2,104-kilometre network are paved. Just 220 kilometres are in good condition. He said this has caused a major infrastructure crisis in the city.
A 2024 KCCA report confirmed that many of the paved roads are over 35 years old. Ideally, roads need full reconstruction every 15–20 years. However, KCCA receives only Shs25 billion yearly for road maintenance—well below the required Shs100 billion.
The Kampala roads and bridges upgrade is expected to ease congestion, enhance mobility, and improve pedestrian safety. Officials believe it marks a turning point in the city’s journey toward better urban living.