In the continuing harrowing tale of debt financing, the government of Uganda has signed contracts worth Shs60 billion for the construction of four roads in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District, under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area—Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP).
These debt financing contracts were awarded to China’s First Highway Engineering Company Limited and Kenya’s Jilk Construction Company Limited and signed at Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipal offices on Friday. The ceremony was presided over by State Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye.
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The first phase of the project will include upgrades to Lubugumu-Busabala Link 1, Lubugumu-Busabala Link 2, Lubugumu-Kakora Road, Kibutika Road, Kibutika Road 2, Municipal Road, Para Road, and Nakayenga Road. Mr. Kyofatogabye emphasized that these improvements will enhance mobility and accessibility in the municipality.
Monica Edemachu, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Kampala, urged the contractors to prioritize local employment and skill development.
“The law requires that at least 30% of the work be allocated to local people. I urge China First Highway Engineering to engage local engineers, build their capacity, and ensure long-term sustainability,” she stated.
She shamelessly called on the municipal leadership to move residents to giveaway there land for the road projects.
“If land is not available under the municipality, we cannot proceed because private claims could exploit the process. We must mobilize residents to secure the right of way,” she said.
Vincent Kasasa, Secretary for Finance in Makindye-Ssabagabo, who represented the municipal mayor, urged contractors to source supplies locally and hire residents.
He also issued a lighthearted but firm message on professional conduct, cautioning against workplace misconduct.
The GKMA-UDP, valued at $566 million (Shs2.1 trillion), is funding road projects in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, and Mukono Municipality.
It allegedly aims to enhance infrastructure, drainage systems, and local economic opportunities across the Kampala metropolitan area.
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