President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially commissioned the Kampala Flyover Project, a landmark infrastructure initiative aimed at decongesting traffic and improving road networks in the city.
Situated in the heart of Kampala’s Central Business District (CBD), the project is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise urban transport and drive economic growth. The project, implemented in two phases, recently completed its first phase (Lot 1), focusing on major infrastructure upgrades.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni urged Ugandans to maintain discipline in waste management, emphasising the dangers of littering and its impact on drainage and flooding.
“Ugandans must observe discipline. Stop littering because it blocks drainage channels and causes flooding. Now that we have cameras, KCCA should work with the police to catch those throwing polythene bags and rubbish on the roadsides,” Museveni stated.
He reminded citizens of past tragedies linked to poor waste disposal, urging them to separate and recycle waste at home. “Repent, because this rubbish has killed people before. Littering starts in homes—dumping plastic bottles and polythene bags leads to bigger problems.”
Key Features of the Flyover Project
The newly completed flyover, constructed at $81 million, consists of the Clock Tower Flyover, a 584-meter-long structure with a 366-meter bridge. This infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce congestion at the Clock Tower intersection, one of the city’s busiest traffic points.
To enhance pedestrian safety, the project includes two major pedestrian bridges: the 92-meter, three-pointed star-shaped Shoprite Pedestrian Bridge and the 238.7-meter Clock Tower Pedestrian Bridge, designed in a circular shape to facilitate smoother foot traffic.
Additionally, the Kibuli Pedestrian Bridge, a 40-meter structure, will provide a safer crossing for residents in densely populated areas along the Kibuli route.
The project also features the Nsambya Underpass, a 375.8-meter tunnel with a 130-meter open-cut box culvert. This four-lane underpass is designed to alleviate congestion at a major traffic chokepoint, improving the flow of vehicles in and out of the city centre.
Furthermore, 3,190 meters of roads have been widened and upgraded to accommodate Kampala’s growing vehicle population, ensuring better traffic management across the CBD.
Strengthening Uganda-Japan Relations
President Museveni praised the long-standing partnership between Uganda and Japan, particularly acknowledging the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding the project. He highlighted historical ties dating back to the 1940s when East African soldiers first encountered Japan in Burma and trade relations gradually expanded.
“We started connecting with Japan in the 1940s when our soldiers went to Burma. By the 1950s, we were buying textiles from Japan. After independence, we saw the arrival of Japanese cars like Toyotas, which were more affordable than British and German models,” he recalled.
He expressed satisfaction with Japan’s continued support for Uganda’s infrastructure, citing the construction of the Source of the Nile Bridge and future plans for the Karuma Bridge.
“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 added.
Museveni encouraged Japan to move beyond aid and invest in Africa’s manufacturing sector, emphasising the continent’s growing market potential.
“In addition to aid, come and manufacture in Uganda and Africa. The African market is growing. Our population is now 1.5 billion and will reach 2.5 billion in 30 years. Investing in Africa is the future.”
He also acknowledged Japan’s role in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), describing it as a valuable platform for fostering economic partnerships.
Government Officials Laud the Project
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja hailed the completion of the Kampala Flyover, describing it as a solution to the city’s persistent traffic congestion.
“This flyover marks a turning point. It will reduce traffic jams that hinder productivity. People will no longer waste time stuck in traffic but will focus on their businesses and make money. Congratulations to the people of Kampala for this achievement,” she said.
Nabbanja commended President Museveni for his visionary leadership, recalling his 2021 cabinet discussion advocating for the Clock Tower Flyover as a key improvement to Kampala’s road network.
“Under your wise leadership, I am hopeful that Kampala will become one of the best cities in the world,” she expressed.
State Minister for Works, Hon. Musa Ecweru, described the flyover as a significant milestone for Kampala’s infrastructure. He thanked the President for officiating the commissioning and urged motorists to adhere to traffic regulations to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
Hon. Ecweru also provided an update on the Kampala-Jinja Expressway project, confirming that discussions with Japan were underway to proceed with the next phase of development.
Japan’s Commitment to Uganda’s Development
Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Takuya Sasayama, highlighted the enduring collaboration between Japan and Uganda, focusing on key sectors such as infrastructure, vocational training, and agriculture.
“This year is significant for us as we will sign agreements and begin work on the Karuma Bridge,” Ambassador Sasayama announced.
He emphasised Japan’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s development, noting that the flyover project has created over 700,000 jobs in the past six years and trained nearly 110 engineers who will contribute to future projects across Africa.
“We are organizing a conference on African development in Tokyo, and we expect President Museveni to lead discussions,” he added, underscoring Uganda’s growing role in regional urban development.
Future Urban Development Plans
The Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, described the completion of the city’s first flyover as a historic achievement in Uganda’s transportation sector.
“This marks a major step forward in modernizing Kampala and improving the lives of Ugandans,” she stated, thanking President Museveni for his leadership in urban planning and economic development.
She also extended gratitude to the Japanese government for their financial and technical support, reiterating Uganda’s commitment to continued infrastructure improvements.
“The successful completion of this project is just the beginning. We are committed to enhancing Kampala’s road network to transform the city into a world-class urban centre,” she affirmed.
The commissioning event was attended by key government officials, including the Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Inspector General of Government Ms. Beti Kamya, KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, among others.
