MUKONO — The construction of the 7.8-kilometre Bule–Ntenjeru Road in Mpata Sub-county, Mukono District, is beginning to transform economic activity in the area, with residents and local leaders reporting rising land prices, increased tourism potential and a growing wave of investment interest.
The project, valued at Shs 35 billion and financed through a World Bank loan, links Bugigi to Bule Landing Site and is expected to improve connectivity between the mainland and water transport routes serving commuters and traders from Ggaba. It is scheduled for completion in January 2027.
Residents say the improved accessibility has already started attracting new settlers and businesses, pushing up both rental and land prices in the surrounding communities.
Emanuel Mbonye said demand for housing has increased significantly as transport becomes easier and the area becomes more attractive for both residential and commercial use.
“People are beginning to move into the area because transportation is becoming easier. Tourism is also growing, and property values have increased significantly,” he said.
He added that rental prices, which previously ranged around Shs 50,000, have risen to about Shs 200,000, while smaller units have increased from Shs 30,000 to about Shs 100,000 due to rising demand.
Mbonye also noted that poor road conditions had previously forced several beach operators out of business, but construction works have revived economic activity along the lakeshore.
“Many beach owners had abandoned their businesses because of the poor state of the road. Now that the road is being improved, they are returning and reopening their businesses,” he said.
However, residents have also raised concerns about challenges linked to the construction process, including theft of materials such as cement, iron bars and fuel. Some warned that continued theft could affect the quality and pace of the project.
Mande Kimbugwe said there is need for stronger protection of construction materials, alleging that some stolen supplies are transported via boats to Ggaba, and noting that suspects have been arrested but action remains slow.
Other residents complained that construction equipment often leaves behind large piles of soil near homes, limiting access and forcing them to pay up to Shs 10,000 for removal services.
Lilian Namirimu urged residents with grievances to report them directly to the contractor’s offices, while condemning any reports of unauthorized payments being demanded from residents.
She also warned that individuals involved in theft were sometimes project workers themselves, complicating enforcement efforts.
Martha Rwaboine said the project is progressing steadily and is currently about 30 percent complete, despite challenges including material theft.
She appealed to local leaders and communities to support efforts to identify and report those involved in stealing construction materials.
Mukono District Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Stephen Muhumuza praised the quality of ongoing works and encouraged residents to take ownership of the project by reporting malpractice.
District Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome also urged local leaders to closely monitor construction activities to ensure the project is delivered to expected standards.
The road project is widely seen as a key catalyst for economic transformation in the lakeside corridor, with expectations that improved infrastructure will further unlock tourism, trade and real estate development once completed.