The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has officially launched the construction of the 9.1km Mperere–Kiteezi–Buwambo road, a project valued at over Shs 40 billion and expected to be completed within 18 months.
For years, residents and business owners along the route have raised concerns about the road’s poor condition, particularly the excessive dust that has affected daily life and health.
“The dust has been too much and has led to persistent illnesses among residents,” some locals have previously complained.
The road has historically been heavily used by garbage trucks transporting waste to the Kiteezi landfill. However, its usage was halted following a tragic landfill collapse that affected nearby communities, drawing national attention to infrastructure and waste management challenges in the area.
The project is being implemented under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP) and was commissioned by Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda.
KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi emphasized the urgency of upgrading the road:
“This is one of the roads that has long been in a very poor state, affecting the health and livelihoods of residents due to dust.”
KCCA engineer Andrew Serunjoji revealed that funding for the project was reallocated from a planned city bus purchase, with priority given to the Kiteezi route due to its deteriorated condition.
“The road will be constructed with a design life of 20 years and will accommodate different types of traffic,” Serunjoji explained.
Local leaders welcomed the development but stressed the need for quality workmanship and proper oversight. Kyadondo East MP Muwada Nkunyingi noted:
“This road has been in a terrible state for a long time. We welcome this project but ask that it is implemented properly.”
Kawempe North MP Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola and other leaders echoed similar concerns, calling for close supervision to ensure value for money and durability.
Minister Kabanda urged residents to support the project and avoid politicizing it:
“Let everyone cooperate and avoid unnecessary conflicts that could delay the project.”
She also called on contractors to engage local communities and adhere to the agreed timeline:
“Work with the people in this area and ensure the project is completed within 18 months.”
The contractor, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), reassured residents that while there will be temporary inconveniences such as dust and disruptions during construction, the long-term benefits will be significant.
“We ask residents to be patient as we work. There will be some inconveniences, but we shall also provide job opportunities to the community.”
Once completed, the road is expected to significantly improve mobility, reduce dust pollution, and enhance economic activity, particularly for communities in Kampala and Wakiso that rely on the route for trade and transport.
