Kampala flyover: section of Entebbe road closed

A section of Entebbe road has been closed to motorists for a month to allow for the completion of the first phase of the Kampala flyover project.

According to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), the diversion started today Monday until September 2 at the section between Shell Shoprite and Garnesh plaza.

In a public notice, UNRA however says traffic flow from the city will not be affected by the changes and will proceed through the area normally. Motorists from Kibuye roundabout who will be affected by the changes will access the city through Lubiri ring road and Kafumbe-Mukasa road. Motorists from Gaba road will use Mukwano road while those from Usafi roundabout can access the city through Ben Kiwanuka road and other connecting roads to access the city centre.

Taxi drivers; Godfrey Nasambi and Ronald Kimbowa who ply the Entebbe-Kampala route say the changes will increase traffic jams on alternative roads like Lubiri ring road. Nasambi says the passengers who alight between Kajjansi and Kibuye roundabout section will find difficulties in getting taxis because taxis will want to avoid the traffic jam on the alternative roads like Kafume Mukasa road or Ben Kiwanuka.

Two weeks ago, UNRA said that the first phase of the 3.2-kilometer flyover project will be completed in December. This phase of the project started last year to solve the heavy traffic jam and perennial flooding around the Clock Tower area. The flyover stretches from the Clock Tower through Nsambya junction to Mukwano road.

The government contracted Japanese firm, Shimizu Konoike JV to undertake the first phase at Shs 224 billion. It is being financed by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).  The second phase is expected to cost Shs 659 billion.

Major components of the project include the flyover bridge structure, underpass, pedestrian bridges, road upgrading, and improvement of junctions to improve travel within the city.