The Kampala Lord Mayor, His Worship Erias Lukwago, together with Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura and Kawempe Division Mayor Emmanuel Sserunjoji, recently conducted a site inspection of four vital roads earmarked for reconstruction under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP).
The roads Muganzilwaza, Mukalazi, Katalemwa, and Kyebando 34X are situated in Kawempe Division, one of the city’s most densely populated areas. These roads have long suffered from severe wear and poor accessibility, hampering movement and business operations. Local contractors Multiplex Ltd have been awarded the contract to carry out the rehabilitation, with actual construction expected to commence shortly. Members of the KCCA Council Central Executive Committee, local councilors, and community leaders also participated in the tour.
“This is a Shs 26 billion commitment toward transforming Kawempe’s road network,” said Mayor Lukwago during the visit.
“We must ensure these roads are navigable even before the main works begin. Proactive maintenance and prompt relocation of utility lines are critical to prevent hold-ups,” he added.
Though the contracts were granted on February 28, 2025, implementation was initially hindered by delays in land acquisition. However, several homeowners have since voluntarily offered portions of their land to enable the project to proceed.
“Muganzilwaza isn’t just a road—it holds historical significance for the communities it serves. Its improvement is long overdue,” Lukwago observed.
Deputy Lord Mayor Nyanjura stressed the need for long-term results. “We expect roads that will last a minimum of 15 years. Multiplex must meet the expectations of the residents by delivering high-quality and durable work,” she remarked.
Kawempe Mayor Sserunjoji expressed his appreciation for the inclusion of features such as pedestrian paths, proper drainage, and streetlights.
“These additions will not only improve traffic flow but also increase safety and reduce the risk of flooding,” he noted.
Project Coordinator Emmanuel Gabula, representing KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, explained that the roads would be fitted with walkways, street lighting, enclosed drains, ducting infrastructure, and other modern urban features. He called on residents to take ownership of the developments.
“Let’s preserve this infrastructure. Say no to vandalism and stop throwing trash in the drainage systems if we want these roads to serve us well for years to come,” Gabula urged.
These upgrades in Kawempe fall under the first stage of the GKMA-UDP, which targets 19.85 kilometers in its initial rollout, with a total of 74.5 kilometers planned across Kampala.
Additional roads scheduled for rehabilitation in phase one include Nsambya Estate Road, Bemba Road, Cape Villas, and Wavamuno Road (contracted to UCA Insaat); Kira Road (handled by China Railway Seventh Group); and Ntake and Kigobe Roads (assigned to BuildTrust Construction Ltd).
The GKMA-UDP is a flagship government program designed to revamp urban infrastructure in Kampala and nearby urban centers such as Entebbe, Kira, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Mukono Municipality, Nansana, and the districts of Mukono, Mpigi, and Wakiso.
The initiative aims to enhance transportation networks, increase urban resilience, generate employment, and promote well-coordinated infrastructure development.
As the delegation departed the dusty path of Muganzilwaza Road, a sense of hope lingered. With proper execution, the project is expected to bring not only smoother travel but also a significant leap forward in the connectivity, planning, and growth of Kampala and its metropolitan area.
