KCCA authorities told to enforce the law to protect the new infrastructure as vandals have already started stealing and vandalising the newly installed facilities
The Ministry of Works and Transport has officially handed over the completed Kampala Flyover to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for operation and maintenance .
The event was presided over by Eng. Stephen Kiwanuka Kitonsa, the acting Engineer in Chief and Commissioner for Roads and Bridges at Ministry of Works.
He explained that the project was initiated to improve traffic flow within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area and the Central Business District by constructing a flyover, underpass, and pedestrian bridges, upgraded roads, improved drainage systems, and enhanced junctions.
Eng. Kitonsa announced that the project is now 99.75 percent complete, with civil works costing approximately shs299 billion (USD 81 million).
During the ceremony, Eng. Kitonsa handed over several key infrastructure elements of the project to KCCA, including the Clock Tower Flyover, which 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 was also handed over, along with widened and improved roads totaling 2,920 meters and five signalized junctions at Shoprite, Clock Tower, Nsambya, hospital, and new Kibuli Overpass.
The ministry also provided KCCA with a street sweeper truck, a drain pipe cleaner truck, two high-pressure washers, and two road patrol cars.
Addressing the challenges affecting the newly completed infrastructure, Eng. Kitonsa expressed his concerns about several acts of vandalism and misuse that have already been observed.
He noted that all maintenance access manhole steel steps have been cut out and stolen, which makes it nearly impossible to access the culverts for desilting when they become clogged.
He also highlighted that street vendors are encroaching on pedestrian walkways, forcing people to walk on landscaped grass and thereby nullifying the beautification efforts.
Further challenges include the theft of maintenance access doors for streetlight poles, the illegal occupation of areas beneath the flyover by vagabonds—which poses risks to both safety and structural integrity—and the reckless behavior of boda boda riders who park on traffic lanes, make u-turns in undesignated areas, and ride in the opposite direction while ignoring traffic signals.
“We need massive sensitization to educate the public on proper road use because these challenges compromise the longevity and safety of this important infrastructure,” Kitonsa stated.
Representing the KCCA Executive Director, Justus Akankwasa, the Director of Engineering at KCCA assured the public that the authority is fully committed to maintaining the infrastructure in excellent condition for its entire intended lifespan to ensure maximum benefit and value for money.
He explained that KCCA has established specialized units under its Directorate of Engineering and Technical Services, which include teams for bridge development and maintenance, road construction and maintenance, drainage development and maintenance, landscaping, and traffic signals and street lights.
“We as KCCA commit to maintaining this infrastructure with the utmost care and professionalism. We have been fully involved in the implementation of this project and appreciate the significant cost and expertise required to achieve this milestone. We shall be intentional in how we protect and maintain this public asset,” Akankwasa said, adding that the authority intends to undertake more projects of this magnitude to alleviate traffic congestion across the city.
Both Eng. Kitonsa and Akankwasa extended their gratitude to key stakeholders for their roles in the project.
They also expressed their appreciation to the government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding and providing technical expertise, and acknowledged the contributions of the contractor Shimizu/Konoike Joint Venture and the consultants from Nippon Koei, Eight Japan Engineering Company, and ICS for their work in construction and supervision.
With the official handover complete, KCCA now assumes full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the flyover and its associated infrastructure, marking a significant milestone in the improvement of Kampala’s urban transport network.
