Kampala is set for a monumental infrastructure overhaul following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Colas UK, a prominent United Kingdom infrastructure development company.
This €250 million (approximately Shs1.05 trillion) project, backed by UK Export Finance, is poised to significantly transform Kampala’s transportation network, boosting connectivity and economic growth across the capital.
The colossal investment will be strategically distributed across Kampala’s five divisions, with Central Division receiving the largest share, encompassing 54 roads.
This will be followed by Nakawa (27 roads), Kawempe (15), Makindye (14), and Rubaga (8), ensuring widespread improvement across the city.
The reconstruction efforts will include comprehensive road upgrades, advanced drainage infrastructure, new pedestrian walkways, and the construction of three modern pedestrian bridges.
Vision for a Resilient and Livable City
The signing ceremony, held today at the Mayor’s Parlour, brought together key dignitaries including Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, State Minister for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, and Kampala Lord Mayor Hajj Erias Lukwago. Representing the UK’s commitment was Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew.
In her remarks, Hajjat Buzeki expressed immense optimism about the partnership, saying, “This partnership marks a significant step toward transforming Kampala into a resilient, livable, and sustainable city.”
“Our residents deserve safe, accessible, and beautiful roads, and this project brings that vision to life,” she added.
Ms. Kirlew, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, underscored the strength of the UK-Uganda relationship, noting that this agreement is a testament to their enduring partnership.
“This is the sixth major infrastructure project supported by UKEF in Uganda and the second for Colas in the last eight years,” Kirlew revealed.
She highlighted the broader commitment, adding, “At financial close, the total UKEF portfolio with Uganda will exceed US$1 billion. This demonstrates the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Uganda’s development.”
Embracing Progress with a Call for Transparency
Kampala Lord Mayor Lukwago welcomed the substantial investment as “a great moment” for the city.
“We wholeheartedly embrace this project. We are not doing well in terms of mobility, and this will significantly improve the city’s infrastructure,” Lukwago said. He also emphasised the critical need for timely and transparent implementation.
Eng. Lars Jensen, the Colas Country Manager, thanked the Ugandan government and KCCA for their trust. “We’re proud to contribute to Kampala’s transformation and will ensure global best practices in safety, transparency, and sustainability,” he affirmed, committing to high standards throughout the project.
This new Colas deal complements KCCA’s existing and ongoing ambitious road improvement initiatives, including the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP), which covers 70 kilometres, and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) Urban Development Programme, targeting at least 81 kilometres of road upgrades.
The €250 million investment from Colas UK, backed by UK Export Finance, represents a pivotal moment for Kampala, promising to drastically enhance urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and lay down a robust foundation for continued economic growth and improved quality of life for its residents.