WAKISO — The government, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, has commenced the upgrading of a 72.5-kilometer road network covering key routes in Wakiso and Mpigi districts.
The main roads undergoing work include Kisubi–Nakawuka–Nateete (27 km), Nakawuka–Kasanje–Mpigi (22 km), Nakawuka–Mawagulu–Nanziga–Maya (11 km), Kasanje–Buwaya (9 km), and Entebbe–Nakiwogo (3.5 km).
While inspecting the work in Wakiso Tuesday, site engineer Simon Benjamin from China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC) stated that these gravel roads are being upgraded to tarmac. This upgrade is expected to significantly improve travel for commuters, traders and local residents in the Central region.
“The Kasanje–Buwaya, which is nine kilometers, is notably connecting to the Entebbe–Nakiwogo road via a ferry crossing over Lake Victoria, creating a vital intermodal transport link between inland and lake routes,” Benjamin told reporters. He added that the 22-kilometer section of the Kasanje–Mpigi road will be shifted to the left of its current route and will connect to the Busega–Mpigi Expressway through a planned project, which will ease access to the express road network.
“Once completed, this upgraded road system will drastically reduce travel times between Kisubi, Nateete, and Mpigi. The wider roads will allow for faster and safer travel for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians,” Benjamin said. He added that people living along the road will benefit from less dust in the dry season and improved roads that can be easily used even when it rains.
“Additionally, walkways and street lighting will be installed in major town areas to enhance pedestrian safety and night-time mobility,” he said. The site engineer also said CCCC, the project contractor, began with the Kisubi–Nakawuka–Nateete section. Work will then proceed on the Nakawuka–Kasanje–Mpigi and Nakawuka–Mawagulu–Nanziga–Maya roads. “So far, they have completed the installation of several pipes and box culverts along the Kisubi–Nakawuka–Nateete road,” he stated.
Benjamin added that other ongoing works include swamp treatment, clearing and grubbing, and cutting and filling, all of which are creating employment opportunities for people in the surrounding communities. “Local communities have largely welcomed the construction activities, offering consent for works to proceed while compensation is being finalized,” he said. He added that demolition of affected structures is ongoing, paving the way for full construction rollout.
“The contractor is making use of the available sections to accelerate project delivery, including continued swamp treatment and culvert construction in non-compensated zones,” Benjamin said. He noted that the prefabrication of pipe culverts and U-drains is also ongoing to ensure construction progresses swiftly once full access to all sections is granted.
