Key Road Construction in Mukono District Takes Shape – The Kampala Report

The construction of major road projects in Mukono district is advancing, bringing much-needed infrastructure improvements under the Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (KMA-UDP). This initiative aims to enhance the district’s development by upgrading roads that have long hindered progress. The projects promise smoother travel and better conditions for local businesses, transforming rough, potholed paths into tarmac roads.

The roads being upgraded include Ntenjeru-Bule (8.5 km), Nakayaga-Seeta-Kayunga (17.4 km), and Kigombya-Seeta (8.8 km). Additionally, the Kisakomba swamp will be developed to improve access and address environmental issues. Mukono District Chief Administrative Officer, Elizabeth Namanda, reported that the feasibility study for these roads is complete, and design reviews are underway, expected to conclude by the end of this quarter.

The Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme is funded by a $566 million loan from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group, with 296.9 billion shillings allocated to Mukono district for roads, a market, and the Kyetume abattoir and wetland improvement. These projects are anticipated to be completed within five years.

Namanda expressed optimism about Mukono’s future, highlighting plans for double-lane roads with walkways and streetlights in major trading centers. District Vice Chairperson, Asuman Muhumuza, emphasized the political wing’s commitment to assisting technical staff in securing consent from residents who may be affected by the construction.

Currently, there are no government funds for compensating those whose properties will be impacted. Instead, local authorities and communities must find alternative solutions for clearing access routes. Muhumuza noted that efforts to convince residents to allow road improvements have been embraced, but urged those who haven’t signed consent forms to do so for community development.

District Senior Environment Officer, Joseph Mutalya, is optimistic that the environmental resilience strategy will help restore degraded areas. “Restoring wetlands by evicting encroachers and planting trees will help control flooding and restore greenery,” he said.

The implementation of these projects is expected to boost Mukono’s economy significantly. The district, which relies on agriculture (bananas, coffee, cocoa, commercial fruits, sugar cane, tea, cassava, and livestock) and fishing from Lake Victoria, also has a thriving industrial and trade sector. However, poor rural roads, especially during the rainy season, have hindered productivity.

Drake Mugabi, a coffee dealer, noted that poor road conditions often leave them idle, facing high vehicle repair costs due to potholes. Similarly, Safinah Namulondo, a farmer, said they incur losses when produce can’t be accessed by dealers, with crops almost rotting in stores and drying conditions made difficult by the weather.

With the road improvements, the district is expected to overcome these challenges, enhancing economic activities and the overall quality of life for its residents.