Utility delays, right-of-way issues persist as greater Kampala development programme progresses

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The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) Urban Development Programme has reached more than 620,000 beneficiaries, with 19 kilometres of roads completed and over 100 kilometres currently under construction, the government has said.

At its mid-term review, the programme was described as “on course” following a positive assessment presented to an inter-ministerial committee meeting held at Golden Tulip Hotel Kampala on Tuesday.

The meeting convened by the Office of the President was chaired by Kampala affairs minister Minsa Kabanda and attended by works and transport minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Kampala affairs state minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye, energy state minister Opolot Okasai and deputy Inspector General of Government Patricia Ochan.

The GKMA programme covers Kampala and nine surrounding jurisdictions, including Wakiso and Mukono districts, as well as municipalities such as Entebbe, Kira, Nansana, Makindye-Ssabagabo and Mukono. It seeks to strengthen institutional capacity while investing in roads, drainage systems, markets and artisan workspaces.

Funded by the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Government of Uganda, the programme is valued at about $1.18 billion (approximately shillings 4.4 trillion). The World Bank is providing a $518 million credit and a $48 million grant, while AFD is contributing €40 million (about $42.7 million) in co-financing.

According to the progress report, 107 kilometres of roads are currently under construction, while procurement has been completed for an additional 130 kilometres, with works expected to commence soon.

Beyond roads, the programme is rolling out 11 markets aimed at boosting urban livelihoods and employment. These include Wakiso Town Council Market and a facility near Mpigi roundabout, both recently launched.

Other planned developments include a major market at Kawuku along Entebbe Road, expected to accommodate about 1,352 vendors, and the upgrade of Usafi Market, which will host up to 1,874 traders. Additional markets are planned in Kira, Nansana, Mukono and Entebbe, each expected to increase vendor capacity by at least 30 percent.

All market designs have been completed, with construction set to begin in the next phase.

The programme also prioritises job creation through infrastructure works and artisan spaces, alongside strengthening the operational capacity of local governments and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

So far, about sh817 billion has been mobilised—largely through credit financing—under the Programme-for-Results (PforR) model, which links disbursements to independently verified performance indicators in budgeting, procurement and financial management.

The World Bank has rated the programme satisfactory across key areas, including procurement, financial management, and environmental and social safeguards.

The report further shows that 81 percent of grievances raised by project-affected persons—totalling 943 cases—have been resolved, with compensation and land acquisition still ongoing.

Despite the progress, officials highlighted persistent challenges, particularly in utility relocation, cost standardisation, and coordination among telecom and power providers. They called for shared infrastructure systems, including common ducts and poles, to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

They also urged finalisation of regulations on land donation to streamline implementation.

The GKMA programme is aligned with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and broader metropolitan planning frameworks, positioning it as a key intervention in managing rapid urbanisation in and around Kampala.