The urban landscape of Mukono Municipality is undergoing a remarkable, modern transformation as civil works on the Shs 43 billion road upgrade project enter their final stages.
The project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by Stirling Civil Engineering Limited covers 9.72 kilometres of roads linking key residential, commercial and trading centres.
The upgraded roads include the Nasuuti, Nakabago and Ntawo Road, the Bajjo to Seeta Link Road, the Serado Link Road and the Kigunga Link Road.
The roads have been upgraded from gravel to heavy-duty asphalt to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion and strengthen links between Mukono, Seeta and neighbouring communities.
The project faced several challenges during implementation. Construction along the Nasuuti to Ntawo section encountered swampy ground that required extensive rock fill to stabilise the foundation before road works could continue.
Progress was also slowed by the relocation of water pipes, electricity infrastructure and telecommunications facilities from the road reserve.
The exercise involved coordination with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) and telecommunications companies.
Site handover was further delayed by the resettlement of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and Mukono Municipality spent nearly two years constructing replacement houses in Seeta, while compensation processes in Kigunga and Serado also took longer than expected.
Despite the setbacks, construction has progressed steadily. Major earthworks, base preparation and asphalt surfacing have largely been completed, allowing motorists to use roads that were previously difficult to pass during rainy seasons and dusty during dry weather.
Residents say the improved roads have reduced travel time and made transport more reliable. The project also responded to concerns raised by residents over pedestrian safety.
During the early stages of construction, some sections in Ntawo and Bajjo had open drainage channels without walkways, making movement difficult for pedestrians and affecting access to nearby businesses.
The Ministry for Kampala, Mukono district leaders and the World Bank secured additional funding to address the concerns.
Stirling Civil Engineering constructed reinforced concrete covers over drainage channels to create safe walkways and built access ramps to reconnect homes and businesses.
Jordan Mark Matovu, an engineer and resident of Ntawo, said the contractor had delivered the original scope of works well and thanked the Government and development partners for providing additional funding to improve pedestrian safety.
Mukono LCV chairman Francis Lukooya Mukoome praised the government for investing in infrastructure and commended Stirling Civil Engineering for maintaining high construction standards throughout the project.
Bajjo business owner Nabachwa Rashida said the upgraded roads had eliminated dust and mud that previously affected businesses and damaged merchandise.
Final works are now focused on installing solar-powered street lights, road markings and traffic signs before a joint inspection and official handover to Mukono Municipal Council.
Officials say the project is expected to improve transport, raise property values and support long-term economic development across Mukono Municipality.
