By Brian Mugenyi
Long regarded as Uganda’s gateway to the world, Entebbe is undergoing one of its most significant urban infrastructure transformations in recent years, with a Shs22.7 billion road reconstruction project reshaping transport, trade and livelihoods across the municipality.
The 4.3-kilometre Kitooro–Kiwafu–Nakiwogo (KKN) Road project is replacing years of deteriorating roads, poor drainage and traffic bottlenecks with modern infrastructure designed to support a rapidly growing urban economy. Stretching from the bustling Kitooro Market to the busy Nakiwogo Landing Site on Lake Victoria, the corridor serves thousands of commuters, traders, tourists and ferry passengers every day.
Funded by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, the project is being implemented by Entebbe Municipal Council at a total cost of UGX 22.7 billion, VAT inclusive. Construction, undertaken by Armpass Technical Services Ltd, began in February 2025 under an 18-month contract.
Beyond resurfacing the road, the project includes improved drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, parking bays, street lighting and road safety infrastructure—features expected to enhance mobility, reduce flooding and improve public safety.
For local businesses, the benefits are already becoming evident.
Kitooro Market, home to more than 650 vendors, depends heavily on efficient transport links. Market Administrator Christine Damalie Nassozi says improved roads are making it easier for farmers, traders and customers to access the market, strengthening incomes and stimulating local commerce.
“Roads are the foundation of development. They improve the movement of people and goods, attract investment and make service delivery more efficient,” she said.
Food vendors have also welcomed the transformation. Najjita Fatuma, Vice Chairperson of Food Sellers at Kitooro Market, noted that reduced dust and easier access have created a cleaner trading environment while attracting more customers.
Chicken trader Jonathan Tukundane believes improved accessibility is translating into better business opportunities. He also called for increased support through programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) to help small traders expand their enterprises and benefit fully from the improved infrastructure.
The economic significance of the road extends beyond the market. Nakiwogo Landing Site serves as a critical transport hub connecting Entebbe to the Ssese Islands, Buwaya and communities across Lake Victoria, while the corridor also provides an important route for tourists and travellers using Entebbe International Airport.
According to Stephen Mulindwa, Head of Trade and Economic Development at Entebbe Municipality, the project represents more than a road upgrade—it is an investment in Entebbe’s future competitiveness.
He said improved infrastructure lowers transport costs, enhances access to markets and creates a more attractive environment for investors. However, he cautioned that sustaining these gains will require greater public responsibility, particularly in maintaining cleanliness around markets and preventing waste disposal along newly upgraded roads.
As construction progresses, the KKN project is emerging as more than a transport investment. It reflects how strategic infrastructure can unlock economic activity, improve urban living standards and reinforce Entebbe’s position as Uganda’s premier gateway for business, tourism and regional connectivity.
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