The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has entered into a major infrastructure partnership with UK-based firm COLAS to modernize the city’s road network. The collaboration is part of the Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project, a €250 million (approximately UGX 1 trillion) initiative financed entirely by the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF).
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The four-year project will rehabilitate and construct 118 roads across Kampala’s five divisions—Central, Nakawa, Kawempe, Makindye, and Rubaga—enhancing connectivity, traffic flow, and pedestrian safety. Plans include the addition of buried drainage systems, walkways, solar-powered lighting, landscaping, and pedestrian bridges at key points like Uganda Management Institute, Kawempe Hospital, and Queensway.
KCCA Executive Director Hajat Sharifah Buzeki said the development marks a critical step toward making Kampala more sustainable and livable. Roads scheduled for upgrade span major and minor routes across all divisions, including Kololo Drive, Bandali Rise, Kyebando Road, Kansanga, and Ham Mukasa Road, among others.
UK Deputy High Commissioner Tiffany Kirlew praised the deal as a reflection of strong bilateral ties, estimating that UK investments in Uganda could surpass $1 billion by the time the project concludes.
While Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago welcomed the funding and partnership, he cautioned that past projects have underperformed due to inconsistent government co-financing. Minister for Kampala Hajat Minsa Kabanda urged COLAs to deliver quality results worthy of a national capital.
Kampala’s road network remains underdeveloped, with only 770 out of 2,104 kilometers paved and just 20% considered to be in good condition. COLAS, known for its patented cold asphalt dating back to 1924, is no stranger to Uganda, having first introduced asphalt technology to the country in the 1950s.
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