Business 2 July 2026 Nile Post

Kampala Businesses Fret Over Slow CBD Road Works, Blame Game Ensues

Traders in Kampala's central business district are expressing frustration over the prolonged and slow pace of ongoing road construction, which they claim is severely impacting trade and increasing operational costs. City officials point to alleged corruption, while contractors cite congestion and technical issues. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/353278/business-community-complains-over-delayed-cbd-road-works

Business owners in Kampala’s bustling central business district are voicing significant concerns regarding the protracted road construction projects underway. The slow progress is reportedly hindering customer access, disrupting daily commerce, and driving up the costs of doing business. Several key routes, including Rashid Khamis Road and sections of Kamwokya–Kira Road, are experiencing significant delays, leading to frustration among traders.

Some business operators have lamented the lack of visible progress, with roads left dug up for extended periods. This has led to alternative uses of the areas, such as informal taxi parks, further exacerbating the disruption. The congestion and limited access are forcing customers to seek alternative shopping locations, hitting businesses hard.

The Kampala Central Division Mayor, Salim Uhuru, has pointed fingers at corruption within city technocrats, suggesting that these irregularities are a primary cause for contractors failing to adhere to project timelines. He even suggested intervention from higher authorities to oversee contract issuance and road works to ensure timely completion and prevent what he described as contractors failing Ugandans.

However, contractors involved in the projects offer a different perspective. Ram Kumili, a site engineer with Ram Constructions, stated that while congestion has posed a significant challenge, slowing down operations, his project on Rashid Khamis Road is still on track for its 10-month completion deadline. He expressed confidence in meeting the contractual timeframe despite the difficulties.

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) maintains a stance of optimism, assuring that all road projects are being closely monitored and are expected to conclude within the stipulated periods. KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabiine highlighted that work is sometimes conducted at night, indicating contractor commitment. He added that completed sections on connecting roads have already shown improvements in city mobility.

Despite these assurances, the conflicting narratives underscore a growing tension between city authorities, contractors, and the business community, all grappling with the daily economic impact of lengthy infrastructure upgrades in Kampala’s core commercial zones.