UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The Kampala Northern Bypass, a critical route for traffic across Uganda’s capital, is undergoing maintenance, prompting traffic diversions that started on December 28, 2024. The announcement was made by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force and Stirling Civil Engineering Limited.
The first phase of the maintenance project will cover 21 kilometers of the bypass, focusing on the section between the Kisaasi and Busega interchanges.
“The road works focus on removing old asphalt, processing the base, priming, and laying new asphalt overlay,” Gen. Katumba stated in a press release on Friday 27th December 2024.
To ensure safety and efficiency during the six-month maintenance period, the affected carriageway sections will be fully closed. Traffic will be diverted to the opposite side of the bypass, with closures in effect both day and night throughout the project duration. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes to ease congestion and facilitate smoother flow.
The Kampala Northern Bypass, constructed to alleviate traffic congestion in Kampala’s city center, forms a semicircle across the northern suburbs of the capital. It provides a crucial alternative route for cross-country traffic, allowing vehicles to bypass the downtown area.
Construction of the first phase of the 23-kilometer bypass was completed in October 2009 after approximately five years of work. The project, jointly funded by the European Union and the Ugandan government, was completed for USh118 billion.
In 2021, after 17 years of development, the bypass was expanded into a four-lane highway. The expansion, part of a contract signed on April 7, 2014, between the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and Portuguese contractor Mota-Engil, cost approximately Shs448 billion. This was nearly triple the original cost estimate of Shs285 billion.
Despite the delays and budget adjustments, the bypass remains a vital infrastructure project for Kampala and the country. The ongoing maintenance underscores the government’s effort to sustain its functionality and accommodate increasing traffic demands.
“The Kampala Northern Bypass is a key transportation corridor for Uganda, and this maintenance work is essential to keep the road in good condition,” noted a statement from UNRA.
Motorists have expressed mixed reactions to the diversion plan, with some raising concerns about potential delays on alternative routes. However, authorities emphasise that maintenance is critical to ensuring long-term road safety and efficiency.
The bypass has significantly reduced traffic congestion in Kampala since its inception, providing an alternative for cross-country traffic to avoid the busy city center. The current maintenance project is expected to enhance its capacity to handle the growing volume of vehicles using the route daily.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise patience and follow traffic guidelines during the maintenance period. Updates on road conditions and alternative routes are disseminated to ensure minimal disruption.
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