Mukono District Local Government has held a high-level review meeting at the contractor’s campsite in Mpatta Sub-county to assess preparedness ahead of the commencement of Phase Two of the 10.5-kilometre Ntenjeru–Buule Road upgrade to bituminous standards.
The meeting, convened shortly after the project’s official groundbreaking, brought together key stakeholders including the contractor, China Railway No.5 Engineering Group, supervision consultants, technical teams, and the District Contract Management Team (CMT). Deliberations focused on evaluating readiness, identifying gaps, and ensuring compliance with technical and environmental requirements before the start of physical works.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Henry Ddamba, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Stephen Muhumuza, chaired the meeting and guided discussions on the project’s current status. He noted that several issues were identified, with stakeholders agreeing on practical solutions to ensure smooth implementation.
Mr. Muhumuza said all parties, including contractors and consultants, committed to addressing the identified gaps within a short timeframe to enable effective project commencement. He emphasized the district’s commitment to quality and adherence to high standards, noting that the road upgrade is expected to boost economic activity and increase land value in Mpatta, Ntenjeru, and surrounding areas.
From an environmental and social safeguards perspective, Mrs. Nyakaisiki Deborah, Managing Director of Ecoserve, confirmed that most certification processes had been completed, including approvals for sourcing construction materials. However, she pointed out outstanding challenges such as managing damp sites and organizing proper material storage areas. She added that 20 design plans have been approved, while others remain under review.
A representative from Hersun Consultants Ltd reported that there are no pending certificates awaiting clearance and that their team is fully mobilized. While design reviews have been completed and advance payment received, he noted that some requirements, including insurance policies and a traffic management plan, are still pending. He acknowledged that the contractor is not yet fully ready in terms of technical preparedness and overall mobilization.
On the contractor’s side, Eng. Moses Kisembo Muyonjo of China Railway No.5 Engineering Group said all required securities have been submitted. He revealed that 52 percent of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) plans have been approved, along with 91 percent of the required policies. Some machinery, he added, is ready for inspection, although certain equipment is still awaiting registration or is in transit.
Dr. Bruce Rukundo from the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs emphasized the need for adequate office space for workers, proper storage facilities, and clear incident reporting systems. He also called for detailed specifications on material sources to ensure coordination between Phase One and Phase Two of the project.
The meeting marked a critical step toward the successful rollout of Phase Two of the Ntenjeru–Buule Road project. With key gaps identified and solutions agreed upon, stakeholders expressed strong commitment to delivering a high-quality infrastructure project.
Mukono District officials say the project is expected to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and improve livelihoods across Mpatta, Ntenjeru, and neighboring communities.
