In a historic milestone for Uganda’s urban development, the Ministry of Works and Transport has officially handed over the Kampala Flyover Lot 1 Project to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for operation and maintenance. The grand ceremony, held on February 19, 2025, marked yet another transformative achievement in the country’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure and easing urban congestion.
Elevating Kampala’s Status as a Rising Metropolis
The Kampala Flyover Project stands as an architectural and infrastructural masterpiece, redefining the city’s skyline while addressing the long-standing challenge of traffic congestion. Designed to integrate seamlessly into Kampala’s evolving urban transport network, the project incorporates road upgrades, flyover and underpass construction, intersection enhancements, pedestrian bridges, and modernized traffic signal systems—all geared toward efficiency, safety, and connectivity.
This monumental undertaking was made possible through funding from the Government of Japan, facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the Government of Uganda. More than just an infrastructure project, the flyover is a transformative intervention that aligns with Uganda’s vision for sustainable urban development and economic advancement.
A Testament to Global Collaboration and Engineering Excellence
The handover ceremony, held on February 19, 2025, marked a significant milestone as Eng. Stephen K. Kitonsa, Engineer-in-Chief at the Ministry of Works and Transport, officially transferred the project’s components to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Among the key features of the project are the Shoprite Pedestrian Bridge, Clock Tower Circular Bridge, Kibuli Pedestrian Bridge, and the newly redefined Clock Tower, all seamlessly connected to ease movement and enhance aesthetics. The project also includes widened and strengthened roads, the Nsambya Underpass, water fountains, improved drainage systems, and newly installed street lighting and traffic control systems.
To ensure the sustainability of the flyover, the Ministry also handed over vital maintenance equipment, including a street sweeper truck, a drain pipe cleaner, two high-pressure washers, and two road patrol cars. These provisions will enable KCCA to maintain the infrastructure at world-class standards, ensuring its longevity and efficiency for all road users.
KCCA’s Commitment to Excellence
Speaking at the handover, Eng. Justus Akankwasa, who represented KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to maintaining the flyover’s integrity for its 100-year design lifespan.
“This project is one of a kind, and we commit to maintaining it well to maximize its long-term benefits for all road users,” Akankwasa stated.
Buzeki expressed profound appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni, the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Works and Transport, JICA, and all stakeholders who played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life. She emphasized that the flyover represents more than just infrastructure—it is a bold statement of Uganda’s urban transformation and its commitment to fostering progress.
Overcoming Challenges to Secure a Legacy
Despite the project’s success, concerns have emerged regarding vandalism, encroachment, and reckless road use. Reports indicate that manhole ladder steps have been stolen, while pedestrian walkways are being occupied by vendors. Additionally, errant boda boda riders have been observed flouting road regulations, creating potential safety hazards.
Eng. Kitonsa called for continuous sensitization and strict enforcement to address these challenges and safeguard the project’s integrity. Authorities have urged all road users to comply with traffic laws to ensure the flyover serves its intended purpose for years to come.
A Vision to build on
Hideshi Yamashita, JICA Uganda’s Senior Representative, emphasized that the successful completion of the flyover marks only the beginning of a long-term transformation.
“This handover ceremony reaffirms our commitment that Uganda’s infrastructure meets not only current needs but also future demands. Effective operation and maintenance will deliver lasting benefits to the people of Uganda,” Yamashita stated.
A Defining Moment for Uganda’s Urban Landscape
Since its commencement in 2019, the Kampala Flyover Project has become a defining feature of Uganda’s economic growth strategy. By reducing congestion, enhancing mobility, and improving urban connectivity, the flyover is set to boost productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life for millions of city dwellers.
As KCCA takes charge of this landmark project, it carries the responsibility of ensuring that this world-class infrastructure remains a source of national pride and economic transformation. The flyover is not just a bridge; it is a symbol of Uganda’s unstoppable progress, innovation, and commitment to an interconnected future.
Indeed, as Uganda rises, so does Kampala under the new leadership of Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki. The flyover stands as a testament to a city on the rise—a beacon of modernity, resilience, and national ambition.
