The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced that maintenance works on the Mabira section of the Kampala-Jinja highway will commence tomorrow, Saturday, November 23, 2024.
The repairs, which are expected to last until December 7, 2024, will address the deteriorating road surface that has caused significant challenges for motorists.
In a public notice, UNRA confirmed that traffic along the affected section will be restricted to one lane during the repair works. The roads authority advised motorists to consider alternative routes during this period.
“Traffic Police and our project safety team will be on-site to assist road users,” the notice stated.
Alternative Routes for Motorists
- Heavy Vehicles: The recommended route for heavy vehicles is the Mukono-Kyetume-Katosi-Kisoga-Nyenga/Njeru road.
- Light Vehicles: Drivers of light vehicles can use the Njeru-Kayunga-Mukono/Kalagi-Gayaza route to Kampala.
The Mabira section of the Kampala-Jinja highway has been in a deteriorated state for years, with potholes and damaged surfaces contributing to frequent accidents and vehicle breakdowns.
UNRA spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa noted that the repairs would be conducted by the agency’s in-house road construction and maintenance teams.
The planned repairs come amidst growing frustration over delays in the rehabilitation of the Kampala-Jinja highway.
In 2020, Energoprojekt, a contractor, was awarded an Ush 82 billion contract to rehabilitate the road, with work beginning in July 2021. However, the project stalled at Namagunga, leaving significant portions of the highway in poor condition.
The rehabilitation project scope includes resurfacing 45.4 km of road with new asphalt concrete, pothole repairs, reworking shoulders, and improving drainage systems, including the construction of three new box culverts and 16 pipe cross culverts.
UNRA has remained tight-lipped on the status of the stalled contract, with Ssempebwa declining to provide further details when questioned about the contractor's role, simply stating that the contractor is still around.
Energoprojekt previously attributed the delays to heavy traffic, which hindered productivity during the day. However, no visible progress has been made since the work halted over a year ago.
As the repairs on the Mabira section begin, UNRA urges road users to exercise caution and follow traffic guidelines. The repairs aim to restore safety and improve traffic flow on one of Uganda’s busiest highways.
Plans for Kampala-Jinja Expressway
In parallel with the Mabira repairs, the government, through UNRA, is advancing plans for the construction of the Kampala-Jinja Expressway, also known as the Southern Bypass.
This proposed four-lane, dual carriageway expressway will run south of the existing Kampala-Jinja highway, with the goal of easing traffic congestion and improving transport efficiency along one of Uganda’s busiest corridors.
Ssempebwa described the expressway as a critical project that will complement existing infrastructure, reduce travel time, and enhance connectivity between Kampala and Jinja.
“The Southern Bypass will decongest the current highway and provide a modern transport corridor for seamless travel,” Ssempebwa stated.
The expressway will start in Munyonyo, pass through Salama, and connect key areas in Kampala, including the Uganda Management Institute and Kyambogo.
It will then proceed to Kinawataka before entering a greenfield area and linking to the Nile Bridge at Njeru. Various interchanges will be built along the route to improve accessibility.
Currently, the project is in the preparatory stages, with land acquisition underway.
Compensation for affected property owners along the project corridor is in progress. Ssempebwa emphasized that construction can only begin once land acquisition is complete.
“We are working to secure land ahead of time. Compensation is ongoing, and the process to procure a contractor is in progress,” he said.
Revised budgets for the project have been submitted by prospective contractors, who are expected to finalize their proposals by December. UNRA hopes to select a contractor by the end of this year or early next year.
While progress is being made, Ssempebwa acknowledged that land availability remains a significant determinant of the project’s timeline.
“Even if we have a contractor ready, work cannot proceed without the necessary land,” he added, assuring the public that UNRA would provide regular updates on the project.
The Kampala-Jinja highway is a critical transport route, serving numerous towns, trading centers, and points of interest. However, the growing traffic volumes have led to congestion and delays.
The proposed expressway is expected to provide a faster, more efficient alternative for commuters and freight transport, ultimately boosting economic activity along the corridor.
As the project progresses, the public eagerly awaits further updates on the groundbreaking of what is set to become one of Uganda’s most significant infrastructure developments.
