In a significant step toward improving Kampala’s road network, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has kicked off the long-awaited construction of Kabaka’s Lake Road in Lubaga Division.
This isn’t just about fixing potholes or laying asphalt. It’s the beginning of a city-wide project that promises to reshape how people move around Kampala—especially in some of the most densely populated and historically rich parts of the city.
At the groundbreaking event held Friday in Lubaga, KCCA’s Executive Director Hajat Sharifah Buzeki shared some big numbers: the Ministry of Finance has allocated Shs 550 billion to improve 87 kilometres of Kampala’s roads over the next three years. But first things first—14.6 kilometres of key roads will be tackled in the initial phase.
The project includes 24 roads in total, from Kabaka’s Lake Road to busy stretches like Market Street, Wilson Road, Mengo-Kisenyi Link, and Church Road. These are roads that serve thousands of residents every day—and have long been in dire need of attention.
Construction will be handled by Dott Services, a firm that’s been given 18 months to get the job done. However, not everyone is optimistic. Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago expressed concern over the contractor’s past work, reminding attendees that KCCA once blacklisted Dott Services in 2015 due to poor-quality road projects in Nakasero and Kawempe.
Lukwago also used the opportunity to push for something that’s been on hold for years: the Nalukolongo drainage channel. He reminded KCCA and government officials that road development is only half the battle—proper drainage is key to preventing flooding and protecting infrastructure investments.
Beyond the technical talk, the project means a lot to the people and culture of Buganda. Kabaka’s Lake, a 60-hectare man-made lake dug in the late 1800s by King Mwanga II, is one of Uganda’s most iconic historical landmarks. It was originally built as a strategic escape route but has since become a cultural and environmental treasure.
For years, though, the lake has suffered—from pollution, neglect, and the poor state of surrounding infrastructure.
Israel Kasirye Kitooke, spokesperson for the Buganda Kingdom, said the Kingdom has big plans to turn the lake into a vibrant tourist attraction. But progress has been hampered by the bad roads around it—something this project hopes to fix.
Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral, who also serves on the lake’s development committee, spoke passionately about the need to protect the lake from further damage. He called on KCCA to stop giving licenses to businesses and buildings without proper sewage systems, pointing out how some dump waste into the lake during heavy rains.
“We need clean development,” Kayanja said. “This lake is not just history—it’s a living part of our community. Let’s treat it that way.”
He also appealed to KCCA to approve the Kingdom’s development plans so that restoration work can begin once the roads are complete.
As bulldozers begin to roll into Lubaga, hopes are high. For many residents, this isn’t just a construction project—it’s the beginning of long-overdue change. Better roads mean safer journeys, cleaner neighbourhoods, and a brighter future for one of Kampala’s oldest and most cherished landmarks.
