Mukono, Uganda – Mukono District has officially signed a UGX 35.7 billion contract with China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group to construct a key 7.8-kilometre stretch of the Bule–Bugigi Road, part of the larger Ntenjeru–Bule Road project in Mukono South County.
The contract, inked at the Mukono District headquarters, falls under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP), a government initiative aimed at improving urban infrastructure in the capital’s surrounding districts.
Presiding over the ceremony, Mukono Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Elizabeth Namanda expressed confidence in the contractor’s ability to deliver a high-quality, durable road — a marked improvement over past projects that deteriorated quickly after construction.
“We look forward to good and quality work being done. Some roads are upgraded, and within a short time, the tarmac starts peeling off,” Namanda said.
“This section is just a part of the full Ntenjeru–Bule Road. We are engaging the Ministry to ensure the remaining section from Bujiji to Ntenjeru is also advertised soon.”
Li Peng, the Country Manager for China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group, committed to delivering the project to the highest standards.
“We assure you we will not let the government down. We are ready to mobilize and get to work immediately,” he said.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs (MoKCC&MA), Monica Edemachu Ejau, who oversaw the signing, praised the contractor for emerging successful through a competitive and rigorous procurement process.
“This is one of the final contract we are signing under the program, and all other districts have already commenced works. Mukono must move quickly to catch up. We are already heading into a mid-term program review, and any delays now would be detrimental,” she warned.
Ejau further emphasized the urgency of mobilizing equipment and personnel without delay, highlighting that by August or September, the program will be halfway through its implementation window.
“We cannot afford to lose a single minute. Our engineers will not be in offices — they should be on the ground ensuring work begins immediately,” she added.
Also in attendance was Mukono Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Fatumah Ndisaba, who raised concerns over the delayed construction of a market under the same GKMA program.
She urged the district to expedite the process of securing a land title from the Buganda Land Board to facilitate the project.
“Please do not divert funds meant for the market. Let us unite and secure the title so that construction can begin,” Ndisaba said.
The Ntenjeru–Bule Road is considered a critical infrastructure link for Mukono South County, promising improved accessibility, economic opportunities, and connectivity for thousands of residents.
Once completed, the road is expected to ease the transportation of agricultural goods and services, and boost trade within the Greater Kampala region.
The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP) is supported by international development partners and the Ugandan government, targeting road improvements, markets, and other infrastructure in fast-growing urban districts.
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