KCCA and UK, signs a MoU to improve road infrastructure in Kampala

10 July 2025, 6:06 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As one of the ways to improve the road infrastructure in Kampala, the officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and Colas UK, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kampala Capital City Authority and Colas UK, a prominent United Kingdom infrastructure development company. This €250 million (approximately Shs1.05 trillion) project, backed by UK Export Finance, is poised to significantly transform Kampala’s transportation network, boosting connectivity and economic growth across the capital.

According to the executive director of KCCA, Sharifa Buzeki, The colossal investment will be strategically distributed across Kampala’s five divisions, with Central Division receiving the largest share, encompassing 54 roads. This will be followed by Nakawa (27 roads), Kawempe (15), Makindye (14), and Rubaga (8), ensuring widespread improvement across the city. The reconstruction efforts will include comprehensive road upgrades, advanced drainage infrastructure, new pedestrian walkways, and the construction of three modern pedestrian bridges. Representing the UK’s commitment was Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew, ministers for Kampala, Lord Mayor, among others were present at City Hall in Kampala.

In her remarks, Hajjat Buzeki expressed immense optimism about the partnership, saying, “This partnership marks a significant step toward transforming Kampala into a resilient, livable, and sustainable city. Our residents deserve safe, accessible, and beautiful roads, and this project brings that vision to life.” Ms Kirlew, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, underscored the strength of the UK-Uganda relationship, noting that this agreement is a testament to their enduring partnership. “This is the sixth major infrastructure project supported by UKEF in Uganda and the second for Colas in the last eight years,” Kirlew revealed. She also highlighted the broader commitment, adding, “At financial close, the total UKEF portfolio with Uganda will exceed US$1 billion. This demonstrates the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Uganda’s development,” she said.

Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago welcomed the substantial investment. “We wholeheartedly embrace this project. We are not doing well in terms of mobility, and this will significantly improve the city’s infrastructure,” Lukwago said. He also emphasised the critical need for timely and transparent implementation. Eng. Lars Jensen, the Colas Country Manager, thanked the Ugandan government and KCCA for their trust. “We are proud to contribute to Kampala’s transformation and will ensure global best practices in safety, transparency, and sustainability,” he affirmed, committing to high standards throughout the project. This new Colas deal complements KCCA’s existing and ongoing ambitious road improvement initiatives.