As Uganda prepares to host the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 (G-77) +China Third South Summits from January 15 to 23, significant infrastructure improvements are underway in Kampala. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is in the final stages of reconstructing, rehabilitating, and renovating seven city roads and two drainage channels, which will be used by the anticipated 5,000 delegates, including 70 heads of state from 134 countries.
The roads under reconstruction, according to Mr. Maurice R. Kairania, the deputy director of roads and drainage at KCCA, include Mukwano, connecting to the Flyover via Nsambya, and Press House road, linking Kibuli to Muyenga and Kabalagala, where the summits will be held. These vital routes are crucial for the seamless movement of delegates during the back-to-back summits.
Providing an update on the progress, Mr. Kairania stated that all roads would be completed by Sunday, January 10, with Mukwano and Mobutu roads at 80 percent completion, Presshouse road at 95 percent, and the rest at 90 percent. Delays in Mukwano and Presshouse were attributed to the relocation of water lines, but Mr. Kairania expressed optimism about meeting the January 10 deadline.
In addition to road improvements, the installation of street lights and works on two drainage channels (Soya-Bunga and Auto Spa) are at 99 percent completion. The commissioning of these projects is scheduled for next week, marking the final touch for the infrastructure enhancements initiated in October the previous year.
Challenges such as persistent rains, the relocation of water utilities by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, and business activities on some roads contributed to delays. To overcome these obstacles, the KCCA adopted unconventional working hours, including weekends and night shifts.
The upcoming summits are expected to be the largest hosted in Uganda since the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm), with a focus on avoiding the challenges faced during that event. The government aims to showcase improved infrastructure and ensure a smooth experience for the thousands of international delegates attending the NAM and G-77 summits.
