The architecture of the Kampala Flyover Project
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The leadership at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have been ordered to work with the police to use surveillance cameras to catch those throwing polythene bags and rubbish on the roadsides.
President Yoweri Museveni made the directive during the commissioning of the Kampala Flyover Project, a landmark infrastructure development aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving road networks in the city.
“Ugandans must observe discipline. Stop littering because it is very bad, it blocks drainage channels and causes flooding. Now that we have cameras, arrest the culprits so that they face the wrath of the law,” he said.
He reminded citizens of a past tragedy linked to poor waste management, urging them to take responsibility.
“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.”
The president stressed that environmental discipline begins at the household level, calling on every citizen to play their part in keeping their surroundings clean.
The Presidential motorcade
The flyover, which was opened to the public last year, includes a new modern Clock Tower flyover, a four-lane Nsambya underpass, three pedestrian bridges, junction improvements, and general road widening, all aimed at easing traffic flow in the city.
Completed at a cost of $81 million it is also composed of the Clock Tower Flyover, a 584-meter structure with a 366-meter bridge.
It is located in the heart of Kampala’s Central Business District (CBD), and was implemented in two phases.
also includes two major pedestrian bridges, the Shoprite Pedestrian Bridge, a 92-meter three-pointed star-shaped structure, and the Clock Tower Pedestrian Bridge, which spans 238.7 meters in a circular design. These pedestrian bridges provide safe crossing points at key intersections, ensuring that foot traffic flows smoothly without interrupting the flow of vehicles.
For the residents along the Kibuli route, the completion of the Kibuli Pedestrian Bridge will provide a 40-meter safe crossing, helping to protect pedestrians in this densely populated area.
In addition to these bridges, the project includes the Nsambya Underpass, a 375.8-meter tunnel that includes a 130-meter open-cut box culvert. The underpass, which expands into a four-lane road, is designed to alleviate congestion at one of Kampala’s major traffic chokepoints, ensuring smoother passage for commuters.
President Museveni and Takuya Sasayama, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda cut tape to commemorate the commissioning
The road network around the city center has also been improved, with 3,190 meters of roads widened and upgraded. This road widening is essential to accommodate the growing number of vehicles and improve overall traffic management across the area.
Shifting focus to Uganda’s long-standing relationship with Japan, President Museveni praised the partnership between Uganda and Japan, acknowledging the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding the project.
He further highlighted the historical ties dating back to the 1940s.
He recalled how East African soldiers first encountered the Japanese during the war and how trade relations gradually expanded over the decades.
“We started connecting with Japan in the 1940s when East African soldiers went to Burma. By the 1950s, we were buying textiles from Japan. Before independence, we mainly used British vehicles like Fords and Land Rovers, but after independence, we saw the arrival of Japanese cars like Toyotas, which were more affordable at the time,” he said.
Robinah Nabbanja, Uganda’s Prime Minister delivering her speech
The President also noted that by the time Uganda ousted Idi Amin in 1979, Japanese vehicles had largely replaced British, German, and French cars, making Africa a significant market for Japan.
President Museveni 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.
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 noted.
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.
Delegates tour the flyover
Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister, hailed the completion of the Kampala Flyover, describing it as the beginning of a solution to the persistent traffic congestion in Kampala.
She emphasized 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,” she said.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to commend President Museveni for his visionary leadership.
Reflecting on a discussion in 2021, she recalled how the President had suggested that a flyover be constructed at the Clock Tower junction, emphasizing its importance as the center of Kampala’s Road network.
“I remember in 2021, in cabinet, His Excellency the President said, ‘Let’s have a flyover at Clock Tower; it must be the center of roads that must be worked on,” she noted.
The Kampala city leadership and ministers at the commissioning ceremony
With the successful completion of this project, Rt. Hon. Nabbanja expressed optimism about the future of the capital, saying, “Under your wise leadership, I have hope that Kampala will become one of the best cities in the world.”
Takuya Sasayama, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, 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,” he said.
“This year is significant for us as we will sign papers and start working on the Karuma Bridge,” Sasayama noted.
He further said that Uganda will not only see the completion of the flyover, but witness the opening of the control center in August.
Sasayama noted the continuation of the flyover project with Lot 2, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital.
Presidential salute
Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works described the flyover as a significant milestone for the city’s infrastructure development.
He urged all motorists to adhere to standard operation procedures to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
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.
Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Minister and Metropolitan Affairs, lauded the completion of the city’s first flyover as a historic milestone in Uganda’s transportation development.
