KCCA signs new contract to upgrade 118 city roads

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Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has signed a landmark agreement with UK-based global infrastructure firm COLAS to rehabilitate and upgrade over 118 roads across all five divisions of the city.

The project worth €250m (about shillings 1.05 trillion), fully funded by UK Export Finance (UKEF), will span four years and cover all five divisions of the capital city. Central Division leads with 54 roads, followed by Nakawa (27), Kawempe (15), Makindye (14), and Rubaga (8).

The Deputy British High Commissioner, Tiffany Kirlew, described the agreement as a testament to the strong partnership between Uganda and the UK.

The Deputy British High Commissioner, Tiffany Kirlew speaking during the signing ceremony. (Courtesy photo)

“This is the sixth major infrastructure project supported by UKEF in Uganda and the second for COLAS in the last eight years,” Kirlew noted. “At financial close, the total UKEF portfolio with Uganda will exceed $1 billion. This demonstrates the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Uganda’s development.”

The signing ceremony, held at the Mayor’s Parlour on Thursday, was attended by different dignitaries, including Minister for Kampala Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, State Minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew, KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and the KCCA Speaker Zahara Luyirika.

A media release from KCCA states that the massive road overhaul is under the Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project (KCRBUP), a major infrastructure initiative that will involve construction of modern walkways, buried drainage systems, solar street lighting, and landscaping aimed at improving safety, easing traffic, and beautifying the city.

Three modern pedestrian bridges will be constructed at strategic locations to enhance safety and mobility at Uganda Management Institute along Jinja Road, Kawempe Hospital, and Queensway along Entebbe Road.

“This partnership marks a significant step toward transforming Kampala into a resilient, livable, and sustainable city,” said KCCA Executive Director Buzeki.

“Our residents deserve safe, accessible, and beautiful roads, and this project brings that vision to life.”

The COLAS deal adds to KCCA’s ongoing road improvement programmes, 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.

KCCA believes that with these combined efforts, Kampala will see a major improvement in road connectivity, stormwater drainage, and urban mobility.

Minister Kabanda emphasised the need for strict supervision, urging the use of local materials and labour.

Between 200 and 300 Ugandans will be directly employed, while a significant portion of the work, at least 40% will be subcontracted to local firms. The majority of the construction materials will also be sourced locally.

Minister for Kampala Hajjat Minsa Kabanda speaking during the signing ceremony. (Courtesy photo)

COLAS, which operates in over 50 countries, pledged to implement the Kampala project using low-carbon technologies and innovative construction methods. The company plans to recycle existing road materials and deploy efficient traffic management systems to reduce disruption during the construction period.

Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago welcomed the investment, calling it “a great moment” for Kampala. “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, while urging for timely and transparent implementation.

COLAS Country Manager Eng. Lars Jensen thanked the government and KCCA for the trust placed in the company. “We’re proud to contribute to Kampala’s transformation and will ensure global best practices in safety, transparency, and sustainability,” Jensen said.