Residents welcome Kitooro–Nakiwogo roadworks

Residents of Entebbe have expressed optimism over the potential benefits they stand to gain upon the completion of the 4.4-km Kitooro–Kiwafu–Nakiwogo road.

The Shs22.6 billion road connects Entebbe to the outskirts of Bussi, Buwaya, Nakiwogo, Kalangala, and Mpigi districts.

Speaking to the Daily Monitor on Monday, Mr Simon Kasirye, a businessman, said the road would ease the movement of goods from areas such as Buwaya and enhance the local night economy.

“People who live in Buwaya and trade in Entebbe, especially in food products, have struggled to transport their goods safely from Nakiwogo to Kitooro market due to the road’s poor condition. Since street lights will be installed, small bar businesses in Lugonjo will also operate longer hours, improving the area’s income,” he said.

Kitooro Central chairperson Betty Nkata Kaggwa noted that the road would not only improve connectivity for travellers and tourists but also attract investors, thereby boosting household incomes.

“People transport charcoal, firewood, and food, moving from the landing sites through Kiwafu to board taxis to work and other places. The good thing is that very few people who owned kiosks on the road are complaining, as most of them were in the road reserve. For those whose property will be affected, we have already agreed to reconstruct anything that will be damaged,” she said.

Ms Harriet Nantalemwa, the vice president of the Entebbe Greater Kampala Metropolitan Municipal Council Development Forum, said residents were pleased with the commencement of the project, which would enhance business growth.

“They recently opened our new taxi park, and this road will complement ongoing development and beautification efforts. It will have side parking, covered drainage, and street lighting, which will benefit residents and travellers moving to Kalangala,” she said.

During last week’s launch of the construction works, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Ms Monica Edemachu, emphasised that the road would enhance businesses on the route and in Entebbe Municipality.

“You have been complaining about potholes—accept a short period of inconvenience for a good cause. This road should transform people’s lives, enabling business growth. Elsewhere, people don’t know Kampala, but when you go outside Uganda, the well-known place is Entebbe,” she said.

Ms Edemachu added that the government would soon commence construction of the Katabi–Bunono–Kabale road, as the procurement process had been concluded.

Entebbe Municipality mayor Fabrice Rulinda said the road would have street lights, sidewalks, and parking spaces to ensure residents benefit from the development.

“Kitooro–Kiwafu–Nakiwogo road is a very busy commercial road linking anyone arriving in Entebbe from the airport to the ferry, connecting to the rest of the country, including Kalangala and Buwaya. We are hopeful it will transform the look and feel of Entebbe,” he said.

“At present, the road lacks proper drainage, leading to flooding and potholes. With improved roads and lighting, we will have better security and increased traffic, which means more business opportunities for residents. We are pleased to see 90 per cent compliance from residents, ensuring smooth construction,” he added.

NRM Entebbe chairperson Stephen Shyaka Gashaija highlighted that improved road networks would ease business, enhance security, and attract investors to the municipality.

“We call upon the entire community to embrace and support this development. Most importantly, we must remember that this project serves all people, regardless of political affiliation. Whether you belong to People Power [pressure group], National Resistance Movement or Democratic Party, it doesn’t matter—we are serving the people of Uganda,” he said.

The Kitooro–Kiwafu–Nakiwogo road project is part of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Economic Development Strategy, which has been implemented under the Urban Development Programme since 2016.