President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the Kampala Flyover Project, a landmark infrastructure development aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving road networks in the city. The project, located in the heart of Kampala’s Central Business District (CBD) is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize urban transport and boost economic growth. It was implemented in two phases, with the recently completed Lot 1 focusing on key infrastructure upgrades.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President said: “Ugandans must observe discipline. Stop littering because it is very bad, it blocks drainage channels and causes flooding. Now that we have cameras, KCCA should work with the police to use these cameras to catch those throwing polythene bags and rubbish on the roadsides.”
He reminded citizens of a past tragedy linked to poor waste management, urging them to take responsibility. “Repent, because this rubbish has killed people before. Littering starts in homes, you get polythene bags, dump used plastic bottles and all that brings problems. You should separate waste at home and ensure plastics are recycled.”
Meanwhile, the project, which has now been completed at a cost of $81 million is composed of the Clock Tower Flyover, a 584-meter structure with a 366-meter bridge. This flyover is expected to significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks at the Clock Tower intersection, one of the most congested areas in Kampala.
To enhance pedestrian safety in the busy City, the project also includes two major pedestrian bridges, the Shoprite Pedestrian Bridge, a 92-meter three-pointed star-shaped structure, and the Clock Tower Pedestrian Bridge, which spans 238.7 meters in a circular design. These pedestrian bridges provide safe crossing points at key intersections, ensuring that foot traffic flows smoothly without interrupting the flow of vehicles.
For the residents along the Kibuli route, the completion of the Kibuli Pedestrian Bridge will provide a 40-meter safe crossing, helping to protect pedestrians in this densely populated area.
In addition to these bridges, the project includes the Nsambya Underpass, a 375.8-meter tunnel that includes a 130-meter open-cut box culvert. The underpass, which expands into a four-lane road, is designed to alleviate congestion at one of Kampala’s major traffic chokepoints, ensuring smoother passage for commuters.
The road network around the city center has also been improved, with 3,190 meters of roads widened and upgraded. This road widening is essential to accommodate the growing number of vehicles and improve overall traffic management across the area.
Shifting focus to Uganda’s long-standing relationship with Japan, President Museveni praised the partnership between Uganda and Japan, acknowledging the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding the project. “I am happy to see that the Japanese are reciprocating through infrastructure development. They have built the Nile Bridge and are now planning the Karuma Bridge. I thank them for not being selfish,” he said.
The President urged Japan to move beyond aid and invest in Africa’s manufacturing sector, particularly in value addition. “I always tell our Japanese friends in addition to aid, come and manufacture in Uganda and Africa. The African market is growing. Our population is now 1.5 billion, surpassing India and China, and in the next 30 years, it will be 2.5 billion. Being in Africa is the way of the future,” he emphasized.
On her part, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja hailed the completion of the Kampala Flyover, describing it as the beginning of a solution to the persistent traffic congestion in Kampala. She emphasized that the flyover would not only improve road safety but also boost business in the capital. “This flyover marks a turning point. It will help end the traffic jams that have long been a hindrance to productivity. People will no longer waste valuable time stuck in traffic; they will be able to focus on their businesses and make money. Congratulations to the people of Kampala for this remarkable achievement,” she said.
On his part, Hon. Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his leadership in commissioning the Kampala Flyover Project, describing it as a significant milestone for the city’s infrastructure development. “We thank Your Excellency for sparing time to officiate the commissioning of this very important facility,” Hon. Ecweru said.
The Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, H.E Takuya Sasayama highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Japan and Uganda, emphasizing infrastructure, vocational training, and agricultural projects that have strengthened bilateral ties. “We have been in collaboration with Uganda for many years, focusing on various sectors such as infrastructure, roads, water, vocational training, agriculture, and many others,” said Ambassador Sasayama.
This year, he highlighted, marks an important milestone in the relationship as the two nations prepare to sign agreements and begin work on the Karuma Bridge project. “This year is significant for us as we will sign papers and start working on the Karuma Bridge,” H.E Sasayama confirmed. He noted the continuation of the flyover project with Lot 2, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital.
“This flyover project has created over 700,000 jobs over the past six years. We have also trained nearly 110 engineers, and we aim to help them continue gaining experience, not just on this flyover, but across Africa,” he said.
The Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda lauded the completion of the city’s first flyover as a historic milestone in Uganda’s transportation development. “This momentous occasion marks a significant step forward in our efforts to modernize Kampala and improve the lives of Ugandans,” Hon. Kabanda stated.
The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, the Inspector General of Government, Ms. Beti Kamya, the KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, among others.
