The Ministry of Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs has conducted an assessment of infrastructure projects under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP), with several road projects now nearing completion.
The inspection found significant progress across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, with road works in Mukono currently estimated at about 80 percent complete. In Makindye, the Lubugumu–Kakoola Road project, being undertaken by China First Highway Engineering Company, has reached 97 percent completion.
According to Abenito Nestor, the Inspector of Works for the Makindye Route Project, the remaining work includes road markings and final clean-up before the road is officially handed over at the end of the month.
The GKMA Urban Development Program is financed through a World Bank International Development Association (IDA) loan worth US$518 million, an Institutional Support Grant of US$48 million, and financing from the French Development Agency (AFD) amounting to US$42.6 million.
Beyond road construction, the programme is investing in infrastructure aimed at supporting economic transformation. Government plans to establish a modern livestock market on more than 50 acres in Mukono near the railway station. The facility will integrate a livestock market, skills development centre, food market, and mini-processing facilities for livestock products, enabling farmers and traders to add value before accessing regional markets.
The strategic location near the railway is expected to improve transportation and strengthen the livestock value chain, particularly for communities within Uganda’s cattle corridor.
Market infrastructure is also being expanded across the metropolitan area. Construction of Nansana Central Market is expected to provide traders with a modern, well-planned trading environment. Three road construction packages are also underway in Nansana, including the Nansana–Wamala–Katooke Road with the Maganjo Link, the Nansana–Nabweru Road, and Dick Kaweesa Road. Government expects these projects to be completed and handed over by November and December this year.
Three other markets under the GKMA programme have already been commissioned in Entebbe, Wakiso and Mpigi, while additional markets are planned for Usafi, Ggabi Road and Bulaga.
Government says the programme is responding to the growing demand for infrastructure driven by rapid urbanisation. The initiative aligns with Uganda Vision 2040, the National Development Plan, the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Integrated Urban Development Master Plan, and the GKMA Economic Development Strategy.
The strategy focuses on improving competitive infrastructure, protecting environmental assets, supporting informal businesses and youth enterprises, promoting tourism, and strengthening service delivery across local governments.
Officials say the investments are intended to transform the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area into a competitive, resilient, and economically vibrant metropolitan region while improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for businesses and communities.
