The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to a major urban development programme in Kampala aimed at improving transport, drainage and economic infrastructure, as city authorities raised concerns over significant gaps in roads and public facilities.
A delegation led by Division Director Qimiao Fan and Uganda Country Manager Francisca Ayodeji Akala met officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on Thursday as part of an assessment of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP), which is co-funded with the French Development Agency.
During the meeting, KCCA highlighted the scale of infrastructure challenges facing the capital. Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi said Kampala has about 2,104 kilometres of roads, but only 770 kilometres are paved, leaving large parts of the city inadequately served.
“The areas you visited, like Old Kampala, have narrow and aging roads that can no longer match the city’s growth,” Kigenyi said, noting that at least 74.5 kilometres of roads are set for upgrade under the programme.
He also pointed to a shortage of public markets, saying the city’s 17 facilities are insufficient for its growing population. New and upgraded markets are planned in Ggaba, Kamwokya and Usafi to expand workspace and support livelihoods.
Kigenyi warned that without proper drainage systems, new roads would quickly deteriorate, stressing the need for integrated stormwater management. “If we don’t manage drainage, the roads will not stand the test of time,” he said.
Fan acknowledged challenges such as traffic disruptions during construction but urged city authorities to prioritise drainage, improve road safety and enforce regulations to prevent encroachment.
“There will always be issues. What matters is how they are managed,” Fan said, adding that the World Bank would continue to support the project while encouraging faster implementation.
Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Minsa Kabanda welcomed the support, pledging government commitment to ensuring successful delivery of the programme.
The delegation also inspected ongoing and planned infrastructure works across the city, including roads in Nsambya, Old Kampala and other areas, as well as a proposed market site in Ggaba.
The GKMA-UDP extends beyond Kampala to the wider metropolitan region, covering Entebbe, Kira, Mukono and Nansana, among others.