KAMPALA – The Ugandan government has announced a major infrastructural project aimed at improving road connectivity in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA). The project, which involves the construction of 300km of tarmac roads, will enhance mobility in key districts such as Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso, and Mpigi.
The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GMKA-UDP) will be officially launched by President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday, according to Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the State Minister for Kampala. The project is expected to take five years and aims to address infrastructure challenges that have plagued these districts, including traffic congestion and flooding.
The project will be financed through a $618 million loan from the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD). Kampala will benefit from 21km of tarmacked roads, while Nansana, Wakiso, Entebbe, and Mpigi will receive significant road upgrades, with a focus on integrating street lighting and drainage systems.
Kyofatogabye emphasized the project’s potential to boost economic opportunities and living standards in the affected areas. However, no compensation will be offered for land acquisition, except for restoration costs of affected properties.
Phan Phuong Huyen, a senior urban specialist with the World Bank, highlighted the importance of this project in fostering sustainable and resilient urban development in the region.