By: Derrick Senyonga
KAMPALA
The Japanese government through its Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Sasayama Takuya has committed to fund both the second phase of the Kampala Fly Over project and the construction of a new state-of-the-art bridge at Karuma Waterfalls.
Sasayama made these remarks during a courtesy visit to the Office of the Prime Minister where he met with the Rt. Hon Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Peter Lokeris, the Minister of State Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Dr. Lillian Aber, and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Executive Director, Allen Kagina.
His Excellency Sasayama shares a light moment with Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja
“The projects are for Uganda and the people of Uganda. We aim to make the East African Community viable with Uganda being the hub. We are looking forward towards the bigger vision of integrating Africa as a whole,” said His Excellency Sasayama saying they (the Japanese government) are not only discussing phase two of the flyover project but also the construction of Karuma Bridge as soon as possible.
On her part, Nabbanja extended gratitude to the government and the people of Japan through its Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) for their unwavering support and partnership in financing various sectors and projects such as the Source of the Nile Bridge.
“We are at 98% completion rate of the first phase and need to fast-track the second phase. The Kampala Flyover Road Project will address the longstanding issue of traffic congestion in our capital city. This project is not just about building a flyover; it is about transforming how we move, live, and do business in Kampala. By easing traffic flow and reducing travel times, we are creating a more efficient and safer urban environment,” she said.
During the engagement, Kagina revealed that her agency had about USD 90m which would help to kick start phase two of the Kampala Fly Over project, and that the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development had written to Japan to allow them to utilize these funds to ensure that there is no gap between the two phases.
The Premier, Robinah Nabbanja used the same meeting to appeal for the fast-tracking of the construction of the Karuma Bridge to facilitate trade and tourism in Northern Uganda.
Kagina briefed the meeting that plans for constructing a new bridge at Karuma Falls had commenced. She said that the new bridge will be more robust and have a higher elevation which will help eliminate all the sharp corners near and around the falls.
Phase One
The first phase was estimated to cost over USh300 billion (US 82 million) and works would involve works at Queen’s Way, Nsambya junction and part of Mukwano road, a new modern Clock Tower flyover, a four-lane Nsambya underpass, three pedestrian bridges, junction improvements, and general road widening to ease traffic flow.
Phase Two
The second phase will see the construction from the end of first phase along Mukwano Road through Access road, part of Yusuf Lule road to Garden City Roundabout, and part of Jinja road up to Wampewo Roundabout. The entire project is expected to cost US$1.1 billion.
