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Infrastructure (Economics)

Landmark Agreement to Transform Kampala's Road Network

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, is poised for a major overhaul with the signing of a £250 million agreement between the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and UK-based infrastructure giant COLAS. The four-year project, dubbed the Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project (KCRBUP), aims to improve the city's road network, enhance urban mobility, and support sustainable development. With Central Division set to receive the largest share of upgrades, and 118 roads across the city slated for rehabilitation, residents are eagerly awaiting the transformative impact of this ambitious project.

Key Takeaways:

  • The £250 million agreement is fully funded by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and will span four years.
  • The project aims to improve Kampala's road network, enhance urban mobility, and support sustainable development.
  • Central Division will see the largest share of upgrades with 54 roads, followed by Nakawa (27), Kawempe (15), Makindye (14), and Rubaga (8).
  • The roads will be equipped with modern walkways, buried drainage, solar street lighting, and landscaping to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
  • Three pedestrian bridges will be built at significant intersections, aimed at enhancing road safety and easing congestion.
  • The project complements KCCA's ongoing urban upgrades, including the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP) and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) Urban Development Programme.
  • The project is expected to create 200-300 direct jobs and subcontract at least 40% of the work to local firms.
  • COLAS has pledged to use low-carbon technologies and innovative construction methods, including recycling existing road materials and deploying advanced traffic management systems.
  • The deal is part of the UK's long-term commitment to Uganda's development, with the UK Export Finance (UKEF) portfolio with Uganda expected to exceed $1 billion at financial close.

Statistics:

  • £250 million: the total funding for the project.
  • 118 roads: the number of roads across Kampala slated for rehabilitation.
  • 54: the number of roads in Central Division set to receive upgrades.
  • 27: the number of roads in Nakawa set to receive upgrades.
  • 15: the number of roads in Kawempe set to receive upgrades.
  • 14: the number of roads in Makindye set to receive upgrades.
  • 8: the number of roads in Rubaga set to receive upgrades.
  • 200-300: the number of direct jobs expected to be created.
  • 40%: the minimum percentage of work to be subcontracted to local firms.
  • £16 billion: the annual turnover of COLAS.
  • $1 billion: the expected total value of the UK Export Finance (UKEF) portfolio with Uganda at financial close.

Sources:

  • The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)
  • UK Export Finance (UKEF)
  • COLAS
  • The Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project (KCRBUP)

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