The Acting Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Kampala Capital City Authority Eng. Justus Akankwasa has assured Ugandans that KCCA is tirelessly working to reduce the massive traffic congestion in the city.

During a brief meeting at Media Centre in Kampala on Monday, Akankwasa gave an update on the city roads, drainage, and transport in the city and highlighted traffic jam as a major public concern.

He said the irritating congestion is caused by the increased number of people entering the city, a high number of boda bodas, cars, and many others.

Through the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program, KCCA is working together with the government of Uganda and the World Bank to expand on the road network and connectivity with the help of the neighbouring districts of Mukono, Wakiso, and Entebbe to narrow down traffic congestion in Kampala such as linking Kulambiro ring road to Kira Municipality and several other roads.

Funding opportunities

According to Akankwasa, the government of Japan gave a grant of sh89b towards the improvement of 30 junctions, construction of a traffic control center to enable KCCA manage traffic in the city.

Over US$288m is provided by the government of Uganda and the African Development Bank to the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project to upgrade traffic junctions to facilitate smooth traffic flow.

Akankwasa also added that the Greater Kampala Urban Development Program worth sh917b is expected to start in 2022 and with that, he called upon everyone to support KCCA in fulfilling its dream of ending traffic jam.

Under the Kampala City Annuity Roads and Bridges Project, KCCA is expected to receive US$250m to renew 270km of old roads and 4 fly-over bridges for pedestrians, and one key bridge for vehicles that will be constructed.

Akankwasa said over 35000 street lights are to be installed as KCCA is in the process of getting at least Euros 77m from the French Development Agency of this, Euros 70m will be a loan, and Euros 7m is a grant to increase street lights in Kampala from 8% to 10%.

The Government of Uganda also signed a loan agreement of US$175m to fund the second Kampala Institution &Infrastructure Development Project (KIIDP 11)

Akankwasa commended the residents along Kulambiro-Bunamwaya Lweza road for sacrificing their land to ensure the road is developed.

The Spokesperson KCCA, Juliet Bukirwa Muwanguzi warned road users especially boda boda riders to observe traffic lights signals as they use the roads to reduce accidents and ensure safety for everyone in the city.