The contractor worked day and night to ensure that they fix this remaining section of the Northern bypass
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Without the ministry’s express intervention, the Namungoona–Bwaise section of the Kampala Northern Bypass would still be closed, prolonging weeks of traffic congestion and commuter frustration that had disrupted movement along one of Kampala’s busiest transport corridors.
The government on Monday officially reopened the section to traffic after the successful completion of asphalt laying works, bringing relief to thousands of motorists who have endured long traffic queues since the road was partially closed for maintenance.
The section had been closed to facilitate critical road repairs and asphalt resurfacing aimed at restoring the condition of the bypass and improving the efficiency of one of the country’s most important transport routes. The closures, however, resulted in severe traffic jams as motorists were forced to divert through Kampala’s already congested inner suburbs.
According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the contractor completed the asphalt resurfacing works in full, allowing traffic to resume at 10:00 a.m. after all construction machinery and equipment were removed from the site.
Ministerial directive
Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama said the reopening followed a direct intervention by the ministry after concerns mounted over the prolonged inconvenience caused to road users.
“I had directed the contractor last week to ensure that the asphalt laying works were completed by Monday so that this section could be reopened to traffic and ease the persistent congestion that motorists have been experiencing,” Byamukama said.
He welcomed the contractor’s compliance with the directive, noting that the work had now been completed as required.
“I’m pleased that the asphalt laying has now been completed as directed, and the section will reopen to traffic this morning. Road marking will follow in the coming days with minimal disruption,” the minister said.
Byamukama emphasized that the temporary closure had been necessary to restore the road surface and improve safety and driving conditions along the bypass, which serves as a critical link within Kampala’s road network.
He thanked motorists, transport operators and the general public for their patience during the maintenance period, saying the temporary inconvenience would result in long-term benefits for road users.
Patient motorists
“I want to sincerely thank all motorists and members of the public for their patience and understanding throughout these maintenance works. The objective has always been to restore smoother, safer and more reliable movement along this strategic transport corridor,” Byamukama said.
Although the road has now reopened fully to traffic, the minister explained that a few finishing activities remain.
“In a few days, the contractor will proceed with road marking. These works will be undertaken with minimal or no disruption to traffic flow because the major asphalt works have already been completed,” he added.
The reopening marks the end of weeks of disruptions on the Namungoona–Bwaise stretch, where partial closures had significantly slowed traffic movement and increased travel times across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Several motorists that Habari Daily spoke to were jubilant about the re-opening of the crucial section of the Northern bypass, saying that their daily suffering will now be a thing of the past.
Motorists upbeat
“This singular act shows that Government really work. I credit this miraculous act to the Works Minister, Fred Byamukama, who backed and the contractors got out of their slumber and completed this work in a few days. He has earned the name of the minister who bites,” said Moses Isabirye a commuter who resides at Kyebando and plies this route everyday.
The Kampala Northern Bypass forms a vital component of the city’s ring road system, connecting major highways leading to western, northern and eastern Uganda while enabling through-traffic to bypass the congested central business district.
Its rehabilitation comes at a time when the Ministry of Works and Transport is accelerating maintenance of key national road infrastructure to accommodate increasing traffic volumes around Kampala. Officials say improving such strategic roads is essential in reducing congestion, lowering transport costs and minimizing productivity losses caused by prolonged travel times.
With the asphalt resurfacing now complete and only road markings remaining, motorists are expected to enjoy smoother and safer travel along the Namungoona–Bwaise section as normal traffic operations resume.
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