Govt to resume maintenance works on Kampala Northern Bypass

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Motorists using the Kampala Northern Bypass should brace for possible delays as the Ministry of Works and Transport resumes phase one maintenance works this Friday, February 13, 2026.

The repairs will affect the section between the Bwaise and Namungoona interchanges and are expected to last at least two months, the ministry said on Monday.

The works, to be managed by Stirling Civil Engineering Ltd, will involve the removal of existing asphalt, preparation of the base, and the laying of a fresh asphalt overlay to improve the road’s durability.

“To ensure the safety of workers and commuters, the affected carriageway will be fully closed, with traffic temporarily diverted to the opposite side to allow two-way movement,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Permanent secretary Bageya Waiswa urged road users to exercise patience, follow traffic signs, and comply with instructions from personnel on site. He advised motorists to plan ahead, expect longer travel times during peak hours, and use alternative routes where possible.

Completed in 2009, the Kampala Northern Bypass is one of the city’s key transport arteries, connecting industrial zones, residential areas, and the Entebbe Express Highway. It provides an alternative route for vehicles seeking to bypass the congested city centre.

Over the years, heavy commercial traffic, exposure to weather elements, and constant use have caused significant wear on the road, making regular maintenance essential to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Previous works included resurfacing and drainage improvements, but sections between Bwaise and Namungoona have required more comprehensive repairs due to deteriorating asphalt and potholes. The ministry said the latest intervention is part of a broader plan to upgrade major urban roads and enhance commuter safety.

Waiswa noted that the bypass is crucial not only for easing congestion in central Kampala but also for supporting economic activity, as delays affect the movement of goods and services across the city.

“Maintaining the Northern Bypass is crucial because it is a lifeline for trade and daily commuting in Kampala,” he said.

The 22.5-kilometre dual carriageway forms a semi-circle across the northern suburbs of the capital. Designed to relieve congestion in the city centre, it allows cross-country trucks and travellers to bypass downtown Kampala while moving between eastern and western Uganda.

The bypass begins at Bweyogerere in the east and ends at the Busega Interchange in the west, featuring grade-separated flyovers at key junctions such as Bwaise, Kalerwe, and Namungoona.

First opened in 2009 and fully expanded into a four-lane dual carriageway by 2022, the road has transformed Kampala’s northern suburbs, promoting residential and commercial development.

Despite its role in decongestion, it remains one of the busiest roads in the country, necessitating periodic maintenance to accommodate heavy local and international cargo traffic.

The ministry apologised for the expected disruption but emphasised that the maintenance works are necessary to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for Kampala residents and visitors.