Mukono District leaders have conducted an inspection tour of the ongoing Ntenjeru–Bule 7.8-kilometre Road Project under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP), expressing satisfaction with the progress made and calling upon residents to safeguard the infrastructure for the benefit of present and future generations.
The inspection was part of a field tour organized by Mukono District Local Government through the Communication Unit in collaboration with the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme. The tour brought together district leaders, technical officers, contractors, consultants, local leaders, and journalists from various media houses to assess project implementation, promote transparency, and enhance public awareness of government investments.
The exercise commenced with a briefing session chaired by the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Henry Ddamba, who outlined the purpose of the field tour and highlighted the strategic importance of the road project.
Mr. Ddamba described the Ntenjeru–Bule Road as one of the most significant infrastructure projects currently being implemented in Mukono District. He noted that the road will improve connectivity within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, reduce traffic congestion by providing alternative transport routes, address persistent drainage challenges, create employment opportunities, and support economic growth.
He further revealed that the project includes plans for the development of a modern market that will improve household income and enhance business opportunities for local communities.
The inspection team was led by Mukono District Chairperson LCV Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome and included District Vice Chairperson Hon. Innocent Tumwesigye, District Speaker Hon. Hajji Asuman Muhumuza, Assistant RDC Mr. Hassan Mwanje, DISO Mr. Musinguzi and his deputy Mr. Muramira Gashegu, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Stephen Muhumuza, District Engineer Eng. Herbert Lutwama, Contracts Manager Eng. Ben Kyemba, District Communication Officer Ord. Kaddu Derrick Mbojjana, and other district officials.
The team interacted with representatives from the contractor, China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group Company Limited, Resident Engineers from Professional Engineering Consultants Limited, environmental and social safeguard consultants from GESCH, and local leaders from Mpatta Sub-county.
Following the inspection, district leaders held a meeting with contractors, consultants, and community leaders at the project campsite in Mpatta Sub-county.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy CAO Mr. Stephen Muhumuza commended the Government of Uganda, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the World Bank for financing the project.
He explained that the road stretches from the Ntenjeru-Kisoga Road junction through Bule and towards Ggaba Town and forms part of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme.
Mr. Muhumuza noted that the inspection aimed at assessing progress, ensuring quality standards, and strengthening accountability among all stakeholders involved in project implementation.
He also commended Hon. Francis Lukooya for consistently monitoring government projects and ensuring that residents remain informed about development initiatives being implemented within the district.
Meanwhile, District Engineer Eng. Herbert Lutwama explained that although the project currently stands at approximately 30 percent completion, the completed works represent some of the most technically demanding phases of construction.
He noted that road construction involves extensive structural preparations beneath the surface to ensure durability and longevity, with the road designed to serve for approximately 25 years.
According to Eng. Lutwama, the contractor has already completed about 2.5 kilometres of base course ready for surfacing and has been on site for nine months, with another nine months remaining under the contract.
He expressed confidence that the contractor would complete the remaining 5.2 kilometres within the scheduled timeframe.
Eng. Lutwama further disclosed that the project is valued at approximately Shs35.7 billion and is expected to significantly improve transportation, trade, and economic development within the area.
District leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the Ntenjeru–Bule Road Project, describing it as a transformative investment that will improve transport connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, address drainage challenges, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth across Mukono District.
Speaking during the engagement, Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome thanked the Government of Uganda and President Museveni for prioritizing infrastructure development in areas surrounding Kampala and extending transformative projects to Mukono District.
He clarified that the road project does not involve compensation but instead relies on community cooperation and voluntary support for the common good.
The Chairperson expressed concern over incidents of theft and vandalism targeting project materials and warned residents against sabotaging development initiatives intended to improve their livelihoods.
“This road is being constructed for the benefit of the people of this area. If residents fail to protect it, contractors will eventually leave and the community will be left to bear the consequences. We must learn to value and protect public property,” Hon. Lukooya said.
He disclosed that investigations into the theft of road construction materials were already underway and that authorities had obtained information regarding some of the suspects involved.
Hon. Lukooya further revealed that at least 30 percent of employment opportunities created under the project are reserved for local residents and pledged to monitor implementation to ensure communities directly benefit from the project.
The District Chairperson also announced plans to modernize Ggaba Landing Site through the construction of a parking yard, designated stages for motorcycles and vehicles, and improved public facilities.
He added that government intends to introduce a ferry service capable of transporting both passengers and vehicles, a development expected to further enhance connectivity and economic activity along Lake Victoria.
Residents used the meeting to raise concerns regarding damaged house roofs caused by vibrations from heavy construction equipment, poor access roads leading to their homes, and excessive dust generated during construction works.
In response, Hon. Lukooya assured residents that the contractor would repair affected structures, improve community access roads, and regularly sprinkle water along dusty sections to minimize inconvenience.
Representing the Resident District Commissioner, Assistant RDC Mr. Hassan Mwanje commended the contractor and consultants for the quality of work completed so far and urged them to maintain high standards throughout the project period.
Leaders called upon residents to embrace a sense of ownership by protecting project materials, supporting contractors, and working closely with local authorities to safeguard public infrastructure. Once completed, the road is expected to open up new economic opportunities, improve access to markets and social services, strengthen connectivity within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, and contribute significantly to the long-term development of Mukono District.
