Kampala-Uganda. To help build a new interchange in Mpigi, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is changing the traffic flow on the Kampala-Masaka highway from January 29, 2024.
This significant development is part of the broader 35km Busega-Mpigi Expressway project, aiming to enhance connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion in the region.
The project was awarded in 2016 to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in collaboration with China Railway 19th Bureau Group (U) Ltd, with a contract sum of Ugx547.5 billion.
Originally slated for completion by 2021, the project faced delays attributed to geological and technical challenges.
UNRA Executive Director Allen Kagina explained that the original alignment would have impacted the railroad and settlements along the route.
Consequently, the alignment was shifted to the edge of the swamp to minimize disruption to existing infrastructure and communities.
According to an official statement released on Monday, January 22, 2024, the traffic diversion will begin on January 29, 2024.
Motorists travelling to destinations such as Masaka, Lyantonde, Mbarara, and beyond will be rerouted at the Total Petrol Station in Mpigi to Mpigi Town roundabout.
They will then rejoin the Masaka Highway at Kalagala, covering a distance of 3.5 kilometres. The same diversion will apply in reverse for those heading towards Kampala.
Impact on Commuters
While the traffic diversion is a necessary measure to facilitate the construction, it may inconvenience commuters, particularly those who regularly travel along the Kampala-Masaka highway.
UNRA advises motorists to plan their journeys accordingly, considering the diversion and potential delays.
Project Significance
The Busega-Mpigi Expressway, upon completion, is expected to play a pivotal role in alleviating traffic congestion along the Northern Corridor.
This vital transportation route connects Mombasa Port to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Burundi through Uganda.
The project aims to facilitate smoother movement of goods and people, contributing to regional economic development.
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