As he formally opened the first phase of the Kampala Flyover Project, President Yoweri Museveni praised Uganda’s expanding ties with Japan while standing beneath the imposing Clock Tower Flyover.
Funded by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the ambitious infrastructure project is estimated to cost about sh320 billion. It is anticipated to modernize the city’s transportation system and reduce traffic in Kampala’s core business district.
Africa has proven to be a highly lucrative market for Japan, and during my visit there, I advised them to visit Uganda and return the favor. That the Japanese are doing so through various programs makes me very delighted,” Museveni said.
He underlined that Japanese businesses must participate in Uganda’s manufacturing sector in addition to infrastructural development.
Additionally, I instructed them to come and manufacture in Uganda, sell there, and export. To invest in manufacturing, the Chinese must put forth some effort. We’re pleased with Japan,” he continued.
A new era for the infrastructure of Kampala
Sasayama Takuya, the Japanese ambassador to Uganda, praised the two countries’ longtime collaboration in agriculture, infrastructure development, and vocational training.
The Embassy and JICA have a long history of backing Uganda. We have worked together on important infrastructure projects like the Jinja Bridge, highways, and vocational training. The arrangement for the new Karuma Bridge will shortly be signed,” he stated.
The envoy also disclosed that Japan is in favor of the construction of a cutting-edge traffic light control center, which is expected to be operational in July or August. “Kamppala inhabitants will live better thanks to this flyover. Better roads do need us to be aware of speed, though. We implore all Ugandans to follow traffic laws,” he warned.
Takuya added that Japan’s assistance has trained more than 110 engineers by sharing knowledge of road building and maintenance, and it has contributed to the creation of over 700,000 jobs in Uganda over the past six years. He reaffirmed Japan’s determination to support Uganda’s infrastructure goals going forward.
The project is praised by government officials.
The project’s commissioning was hailed by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja as a significant step toward enhancing traffic safety and stimulating the capital’s economy.
“Everything in Kampala is being built. Our city resembles a huge building site. However, I think Kampala will rank among the world’s greatest cities after these developments are finished,” Nabbanja stated.
Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs Minister Hajjati Minsa Kabanda highlighted the project’s contribution to updating the city’s infrastructure and enhancing road users’ quality of life.
“This is only the start. The government is dedicated to building a road system that improves Ugandans’ quality of life. “This flyover is yours, so celebrate your progress,” she said.
A well-maintained road network is essential for sustained urban development, so Kabanda also urged for an increase in funding for road maintenance.
Efficiency and safety in urban transportation
On behalf of Works Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala, Minister of State for Works and Transport Musa Francis Ecweru emphasized the project’s expected effect on Kampala’s traffic jams.
The Kampala metropolitan area’s traffic flow will be greatly enhanced by this project, which will also give pedestrians safer routes. It will facilitate traffic flow and guarantee that pedestrians won’t have to riskily weave around roadways any more,” he said.
For safety reasons, Ecweru added, bodabodas would not be permitted to travel through zones reserved for automobiles.
He went on to say that local contractors were essential in providing steel and cement, which further boosted Uganda’s building sector.
“This project has given the local contractors—Cementers, Roko, Abubaker, and Tororo Cement—valuable experience. We are also planning a new Karuma Bridge, which was just restored and won’t endure for ten to twenty years. As early as next month, we might sign the deal,” he revealed.
For safety reasons, Ecweru added, bodabodas would not be permitted to travel through zones reserved for automobiles.
He went on to say that local contractors were essential in providing steel and cement, which further boosted Uganda’s building sector.
“This project has given the local contractors—Cementers, Roko, Abubaker, and Tororo Cement—valuable experience. We are also planning a new Karuma Bridge, which was just restored and won’t endure for ten to twenty years. As early as next month, we might sign the deal,” he revealed.
“You have to be disciplined. Avoid littering. Littering is harmful because it obstructs waterways and causes flooding. Those that litter ought to be fined. Police and KCCA should collaborate now that we have cameras in order to apprehend the offenders and hold them accountable. He cautioned that littering attracts mosquitoes and spreads disease.
In order to encourage appropriate trash management, Museveni also counseled individuals to divide waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable components.
The first phase of the Kampala Flyover Project was put into service, according to government officials, marking a major step in the city’s transformation into a contemporary metropolis with an effective transportation infrastructure.
According to Nabbanja, the government is still dedicated to advancing infrastructure development in collaboration with Japan. Future plans include for improved drainage systems, larger road networks, and intelligent traffic control systems.
The Clock Tower Flyover, the Shoprite Pedestrian Bridge, the Nsambya Underpass, and other enlarged roadways are some of the major elements of the Kampala Flyover Project, which got underway in 2019.
Better drainage systems, pathways for pedestrians, drinking fountains, and five signalized intersections to facilitate traffic flow are other features.
