Mabira Highway Repairs have officially begun as the Ministry of Works and Transport launches emergency resurfacing efforts to reduce road accidents along Uganda’s busiest highway.
Emergency Mabira Highway Repairs Underway
The Ministry of Works and Transport has launched the second phase of Mabira Highway Repairs, specifically targeting the most dangerous section of the Kampala–Jinja Road. As a result of persistent public pressure and an alarming increase in accidents, authorities acted swiftly to begin restoring the Mabira Forest stretch.
This phase, which is scheduled to continue through the end of June, includes resurfacing with asphalt concrete, pothole patching, and shoulder reinforcement to improve road durability and driver safety.
Background: Full Rehabilitation Remains Delayed
The Kampala–Jinja highway plays a crucial role not only in domestic travel but also in regional trade between Uganda and Kenya. Over the years, however, the Mabira Forest section has deteriorated due to neglect. Consequently, motorists and local communities have demanded immediate action.
In 2020, the government awarded a Shs 82 billion contract to Serbian contractor Energoprojekt for full-scale rehabilitation. Although the project started in July 2021, it stalled at the Namagunga section, far short of its July 2022 deadline. As a result, the Mabira stretch remains in a hazardous state.
Frustrated by the delays, local residents have spoken out.
“This section has been in bad shape. It is riddled with potholes which always cause accidents. Almost every week, we’ve been registering accidents here,” one resident near Mabira Forest reported.
For additional updates, visit the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Current Works and Motorist Guidance
According to Allan Ssempebwa, the Ministry’s Senior Communications Officer, in-house teams are currently managing the Mabira Highway Repairs. By using internal teams instead of external contractors, the ministry aims to expedite the process and reduce operational costs.
Meanwhile, motorists should take note of temporary traffic changes:
- Traffic is limited to one lane, potentially causing congestion.
- Heavy vehicles should follow the Mukono–Kyetume–Katosi–Kisoga–Nyenga/Njeru route.
- Light vehicles are encouraged to use the Njeru–Kayunga–Mukono or Kalagi–Gayaza alternative routes.
Ssempebwa emphasized the importance of patience during this period.
“We urge motorists to exercise caution and consider using alternative routes. These repairs are essential for road safety.”
Public Reaction and Long-Term Concerns
Although temporary, these Mabira Highway Repairs offer hope to thousands of commuters who rely on this route daily. Locals believe that the emergency works could reduce accident rates, especially during Uganda’s rainy season when potholes become more dangerous.
Even so, many citizens remain concerned. They continue to push for the resumption of the long-delayed full rehabilitation project. Without a permanent fix, they argue, short-term repairs will only provide temporary relief.
Why the Mabira Section Is a National Priority
Clearly, the significance of this repair project goes beyond basic maintenance. The Kampala–Jinja Road supports:
- Daily movement between Uganda’s capital and eastern towns
- Cross-border trade within the East African Community
- The regional Northern Corridor, which connects landlocked countries to the port of Mombasa
Therefore, restoring the Mabira stretch contributes not only to national road safety but also to regional economic growth.
