President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the Kampala Flyover Project at Clock Tower.
The new infrastructure is set to improve traffic flow within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area and the Central Business District with a flyover, underpass, and pedestrian bridges, upgraded roads, improved drainage systems, and enhanced junctions.
The civil works cost approximately Ug.shs299 billion (USD 81 million).
The Clock Tower Flyover spans 584 meters in total length with a 366-meter bridge section that accommodates two lanes; the uniquely designed Shoprite Pedestrian Bridge, which is 92 meters long and fashioned in a three-pointed star shape; the Clock Tower Pedestrian Bridge, which measures 229 meters; the Kibuli Pedestrian Bridge, which is 40 meters long; and the Nsambya Underpass, which extends 360 meters, including a 132-meter open-cut box culvert, and serves four lanes.
In addition to these structures, the new Clock Tower has widened and improved roads totaling 2,920 meters and five signalized junctions at Shoprite, Clock Tower, Nsambya hospital, and new Kibuli Overpass.
The ministry of Works also provided KCCA with a street sweeper truck, a drain pipe cleaner truck, two high-pressure washers, and two road patrol cars.
While commisioning the new facilities President Museveni said : “Ugandans must observe discipline. Stop littering because it is very bad , it blocks drainage channels and causes flooding. Now that we have cameras, KCCA should work with the police to use these cameras to catch those throwing polythene bags and rubbish on the roadsides.”
“Repent, because this rubbish has killed people before. Littering starts in homes, you get polythene bags, dump used plastic bottles and all that brings problems. You should separate waste at home and ensure plastics are recycled,” he advised .
Museveni praised the partnership between Uganda and Japan, noting that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has funded many projects in Uganda over the years .
He expressed satisfaction with Japan’s continued support through infrastructure projects, citing the construction of the Source of the Nile Bridge and plans to build the Karuma Bridge.
“I am happy to see that the Japanese are reciprocating through infrastructure development. They have built the Nile Bridge and are now planning the Karuma Bridge. I thank them for not being selfish,” he said.
The President urged Japan to move beyond aid and invest in Africa’s manufacturing sector, particularly in value addition.
“I always tell our Japanese friends in addition to aid, come and manufacture in Uganda and Africa. The African market is growing. Our population is now 1.5 billion, surpassing India and China, and in the next 30 years, it will be 2.5 billion. Being in Africa is the way of the future,” he emphasized.
President Museveni also acknowledged Japan’s role in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), describing it as a valuable platform for fostering economic partnerships.
The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja hailed the completion of the Kampala Flyover, describing it as the beginning of a solution to the persistent traffic congestion in Kampala. She said that the flyover would not only improve road safety but also boost business in the capital.
“This flyover marks a turning point. It will help end the traffic jams that have long been a hindrance to productivity. People will no longer waste valuable time stuck in traffic; they will be able to focus on their businesses and make money. Congratulations to the people of Kampala for this remarkable achievement,”she added.
Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his leadership in commissioning the Kampala Flyover Project, describing it as a significant milestone for the city’s infrastructure development. He called upon motorists to adhere to standard operation procedures to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
The Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, Takuya Sasayama ,highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Japan and Uganda, emphasizing infrastructure, vocational training, and agricultural projects that have strengthened bilateral ties.
“We have been in collaboration with Uganda for many years, focusing on various sectors such as infrastructure, roads, water, vocational training, agriculture, and many others,” Ambassador Sasayama, stated adding , “Kampala will not only see the completion of this flyover, but we will also open the control center in August. Additionally, road construction will be underway in other regions of Uganda.”
“We are organizing a conference on African development in Tokyo, and we expect His Excellency, the President, to join us in leading these discussions,” he said. The President has been deeply involved in urban development and has played a key role as one of the founding fathers of IGAD meetings. We would like him to lead the conversation again in Tokyo this August,”he added.
The Ambassador also highlighted the significant impact of the current flyover project, noting its contribution to employment and skills development.
“This flyover project has created over 700,000 jobs over the past six years. We have also trained nearly 110 engineers, and we aim to help them continue gaining experience, not just on this flyover, but across Africa,” he said.
“As the road conditions improve, we must be mindful of our speed and safety while using the flyover. Congratulations on the completion of this project, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration.”
The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Transport , Hon. Fred Byamukama, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, the Inspector General of Government, Ms. Beti Kamya, the KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, among others.
