In a landmark development for urban infrastructure, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has signed a €250 million (Shs 1.05 trillion) agreement with UK-based global infrastructure giant COLAS to launch the Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project (KCRBUP) — a four-year initiative set to upgrade over 118 roads across the city’s five divisions.
The project, fully funded by UK Export Finance (UKEF), was unveiled during a high-level ceremony at the Mayor’s Parlor on Thursday. The event was attended by Minister for Kampala Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, State Minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye, KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and the Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew.
The massive road upgrade will span all five divisions of Kampala, with the Central Division receiving the largest share—54 roads—followed by Nakawa (27), Kawempe (15), Makindye (14), and Rubaga (8).
The project will include: Modern pedestrian walkways, Solar street lighting, Buried drainage systems and Landscaping for urban beautification.
Construction of three pedestrian bridges at Uganda Management Institute (Jinja Road), Kawempe Hospital, and Queensway (Entebbe Road)
“This partnership marks a significant step toward transforming Kampala into a resilient, livable, and sustainable city,” said KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki. “Our residents deserve safe, accessible, and beautiful roads—and this project brings that vision to life.”
Minister Kabanda emphasized the importance of maximizing local content in the project. “We must ensure Ugandans benefit directly from this investment,” she said, highlighting that: 200 to 300 Ugandans will be directly employed, At least 40% of the work will be subcontracted to local firms and a majority of materials will be sourced locally
With operations in over 50 countries and an annual turnover of €16 billion, COLAS is committing to using low-carbon technologies, recycling road materials, and deploying smart traffic management systems to minimize disruption during construction.
“We’re proud to contribute to Kampala’s transformation and will ensure global best practices in safety, transparency, and sustainability,” said COLAS Country Manager Eng. Lars Jensen.
The company is already active in Uganda through its work on the Kabalega International Airport in Hoima.
Deputy British High Commissioner Tiffany Kirlew called the project a testament to deepening UK-Uganda ties.
“This is the sixth major infrastructure project supported by UKEF in Uganda and the second for COLAS in the last eight years,” she noted. “At financial close, the UKEF portfolio in Uganda will exceed $1 billion.”
Key roads set for rehabilitation include Kamwokya–Mbazira Road, Mulwana Kibira Road, Ssebagala Road, Faraday Road, Kiyingi Road, and Naalya Road. In Makindye, improvements will cover Buziga Islamic Road, Kansanga Kiwafu Road, Tank Hill Bypass, and several others—improving connectivity between the capital’s core and its growing suburbs.
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago described the initiative as a “great moment” for Kampala.
“We wholeheartedly embrace this project. We are not doing well in terms of mobility, and this will significantly improve the city’s infrastructure,” he said, calling for timely and transparent execution.
With preparatory work underway and construction expected to commence soon, Kampala residents are hopeful for smoother, safer, and greener roads as their city gears up for a more connected future.
