Govt launches 15.6km Mpigi-Muduma road construction

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The Government has officially begun the tarmacking of the Mpigi-Muduma road to improve connectivity and the overall quality of road infrastructure in the district.

The 15.6km road is being constructed by the Chinese firm Zhongmei Engineering Group. 

The project is expected to be completed within 18 months, and funded through the World Bank-supported Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP). As part of this initiative, Mpigi will also benefit from the construction of markets, with plans to upgrade Mpigi Central Market into a modern facility that can accommodate more vendors.

Kampala affairs minister Hajjati Minsa Kabanda launched the road works during a ceremony held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Kibutu Playground in Muduma town council.

Mpigi District LCV chairman Martin Ssejjemba interacting with Zhongomei Engineering staff. This was during the project launch at Kibutu play ground on Wednesday. (Photo by John Masaba)

During the event, the minister stressed the importance of oversight, encouraging the residents of Mpigi to actively monitor the work being carried out by the contractors. 

“Please don’t blame President Museveni if you don’t take responsibility,” she stated.

She also expressed her gratitude to the district leaders, including those from the Opposition, for setting aside their political differences to support the project. Without their co-operation, she noted, it would have been challenging to secure the necessary land for the right of way. 

According to Kampala affairs ministry undersecretary Monica Edemachu Ejua, the Government has achieved a 96 per cent acquisition rate for the land needed for the right of way. She urged the contractor to maintain a good working relationship with the community, stating, “Ensure that you collaborate effectively with the community. They will support you to ensure the successful delivery of this project.” 

Amelia Kyambadde, the senior presidential advisor on industry and a former Trade Minister and member of Parliament for the area, mentioned that the idea to support infrastructure projects in the district was conceived in Cabinet in 2017 and approved in 2022. 

"I want to thank the Resident District Commissioner (Sempala Kigozi) and all the technical and political leaders for making this project a reality," she said. 

Kampala affairs minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye urged residents to protect the road and refrain from harmful activities such as burning tyres on it. 

Program stakeholders

The GKMA-UDP programme benefits various stakeholders, including the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Wakiso, Mukono and Mpigi districts, as well as the municipal local governments of Kira, Nansana, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Mukono and Entebbe.

This programme aims to address the needs of these entities to enhance service delivery, improve mobility, promote better environmental conditions, stimulate local economic development, and ensure coordinated efforts across the GKMA.

The GKMA-UDP is overseen by a comprehensive Program Operations Manual (POM), which facilitates the smooth implementation and co-ordination of activities among all stakeholders. The POM outlines clear procedures and guidelines for programme implementation, emphasising strong Environmental and Social Safeguards to manage risks and impacts throughout the program and specific project cycles. These guidelines are informed by relevant government policies, legal frameworks, and the World Bank's Environmental and Social Safeguard Standards.