KAMPALA.
President Museveni on Wednesday 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 modernise 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.”
The President stressed that environmental discipline begins at the household level, calling on every citizen to play their part in keeping their surroundings clean.
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.
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,” he said
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.
The Ambassador also discussed the upcoming developments in Kampala and across Uganda, stressing that major infrastructure projects are set to expand.
“Kampala will not only see the completion of this flyover, but we will also open the control center in August. Additionally, road construction will be underway in other regions of Uganda,” he added.