UNRA Intensifies Efforts to Clear Road Reserves

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UNRA Intensifies Efforts to Clear Road Reserves
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The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has launched a comprehensive initiative to clear road reserves along the Kampala–Jinja Highway, as part of a nationwide campaign to reclaim encroached road spaces and enhance road safety.

The ongoing exercise is set to address illegal occupations and other obstructions that have long hindered the rehabilitation and development of critical road infrastructure.

The Kampala–Jinja Highway, a vital artery connecting the capital to eastern Uganda and neighboring countries, has been a particular focus due to persistent encroachment issues.

In some areas, car dealerships had unlawfully occupied road reserves and even backfilled drainage systems, exacerbating flooding during heavy rains.

This is particularly evident in sections such as Banda, Kyambogo, and Nakawa, where the obstructions not only compromised road safety but also impeded ongoing road works.

UNRA's intervention aims to support the ongoing rehabilitation of the highway by creating the necessary space for construction activities, including upgrading drainage facilities to prevent flooding.

The Banda–Kyambogo–Nakawa section is a prime example of how illegal structures, especially those established by businesses, have disrupted infrastructure and contributed to adverse weather impacts.

While the current exercise focuses on the Kampala–Jinja Highway, UNRA has made it clear that this is only the beginning of a broader, nationwide plan to clear road reserves across all major roads in Uganda.

The agency aims to restore road reserves to their intended purpose—facilitating infrastructure expansion, improving road safety, and preventing disasters such as flooding.

UNRA’s approach has included sensitizing the public about the importance of maintaining road reserves free from encroachments.

The organization has emphasized that while development and businesses are critical to Uganda’s growth, these activities must respect legal guidelines and not compromise public infrastructure.

The eviction of encroachers, particularly businesses like car dealerships, has sparked a mix of reactions from the public.

Some affected businesses have raised concerns about the financial impact of their eviction, with owners calling for compensation or alternative spaces to continue their operations.

UNRA, however, maintains that prior warnings were given, and the evictions are in line with efforts to ensure road safety and infrastructure development.

Residents and road users have welcomed the move, especially in areas prone to flooding due to blocked drainage channels.

By clearing these reserves and improving drainage, UNRA hopes to reduce flooding incidents, which have been a major concern during Uganda’s rainy seasons.

The Kampala–Jinja Highway is undergoing significant rehabilitation aimed at improving road conditions, easing traffic flow, and supporting Uganda’s growing economy.

Clearing road reserves is a crucial step in ensuring the success of these efforts, as it allows UNRA to conduct construction activities, install drainage systems, and provide space for future road expansions.

According to UNRA officials, the exercise will continue along other sections of the Kampala–Jinja Highway and will gradually expand to cover all major roads in the country.

The nationwide exercise, they said, will be conducted in phases, with priority given to areas with the most severe encroachments.

As UNRA intensifies its efforts to secure road reserves, the organization is urging all citizens and businesses to cooperate and avoid encroaching on public infrastructure.

The campaign to clear road reserves aligns with broader government goals of improving road networks and ensuring sustainable urban development.

The exercise marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to enhance its road infrastructure, which is crucial for trade, transportation, and overall national development.

As the operation continues, UNRA is expected to provide updates on progress and any challenges faced in clearing road reserves, especially in urban areas where space is limited.

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