The World Bank has urged the Ugandan government and contractors to prioritize safety, environmental protection, and social safeguards in ongoing road construction projects under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP).
The call was made during a four-day training workshop for contractors, procurement officers, and local government officials, where stakeholders emphasized the need to strengthen safety practices across project sites. World Bank environmental specialists warned that unsafe construction methods risk undermining the intended benefits of major urban infrastructure investments, noting that the protection of lives and livelihoods must remain central to project implementation.
The GKMA-UDP, a multi-million-dollar initiative, aims to upgrade roads, drainage systems, and urban markets while strengthening planning capacity across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. Beneficiary municipalities include Kampala, Entebbe, Kira, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Mukono, Nansana, Wakiso, and Mpigi.
Government officials acknowledged that recent incidents linked to poor supervision and non-compliance with safety guidelines have exposed gaps in project execution. Some accidents were reportedly associated with unsupervised night work and inadequate safety measures, raising concerns among both residents and regulators.
Authorities say the ongoing training is intended to equip contractors and implementing agencies with practical tools to enforce environmental, social, health, and safety standards. Procurement experts stressed the importance of embedding safety requirements directly into contracts to strengthen accountability and reduce risks during construction.
Urban development experts have also cautioned that Kampala’s rapid growth demands careful planning and responsible infrastructure development to avoid long-term economic and social consequences.
The World Bank’s intervention comes as Uganda continues to roll out major infrastructure projects aimed at reducing congestion, improving drainage, and supporting the region’s expanding urban population. Stakeholders believe that stronger supervision, consistent enforcement of safety standards, and continuous professional training will be key to delivering safer and more sustainable road projects across Greater Kampala.
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