Motorists are expected to enjoy smoother traffic flow along the Kampala Northern Bypass after the Ministry of Works and Transport announced the completion of asphalt laying works on the Namungoona–Bwaise section, paving the way for the road’s reopening.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ministry said asphalt works on the section have reached 100 percent completion, with the Namungoona–Bwaise stretch scheduled to reopen to traffic by 10:00 a.m., once the contractor completes the removal of all machinery and equipment from the site.
“Asphalt laying works along the Kampala Northern Bypass have now been completed —100%. The Namungoona–Bwaise section is expected to re-open to traffic by 10:00 a.m. today, once the contractor has fully demobilized all machinery and equipment from the site,” the ministry said.
The ministry added that the contractor will, in the coming days, begin road marking works, which are expected to be carried out with minimal or no disruption to traffic.
The development comes just days after the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, issued a seven-day ultimatum to Stirling Civil Engineering to complete the rehabilitation of the 21-kilometre Northern Bypass, ruling out any further extension to the project.
During an inspection of the road last week, Byamukama rejected the contractor’s request for additional time, saying the Shs67 billion maintenance project had already dragged on for three years, imposing heavy economic costs on motorists and businesses.
“You cannot work on a 21-kilometre road for three years and then come asking for an extension. We are not extending this contract,” Byamukama said.
He directed the contractor to complete the remaining works within seven days and immediately clear all equipment from the construction site upon completion.
The minister described the prolonged roadworks as “a mess,” saying they had caused persistent traffic congestion, forced travellers to miss flights, discouraged investment, inconvenienced tourists and significantly increased fuel consumption and travel times.
He noted that the Northern Bypass is one of Uganda’s most strategic transport corridors, linking major highways around Kampala and serving both domestic and regional traffic.
The rehabilitation project, undertaken by Stirling Civil Engineering under a Shs67 billion contract, began in 2022 and has involved resurfacing the bypass with new asphalt, repairing damaged pavement sections, improving drainage systems and upgrading road safety features. However, repeated delays have drawn criticism from road users and government officials due to the severe traffic congestion experienced throughout the construction period.
With asphalt laying now complete and the Namungoona–Bwaise section reopening, motorists are expected to experience improved traffic flow, while the remaining road marking works are expected to conclude the rehabilitation project without major disruptions.
