Mukono District Local Government has taken a significant step toward improving road infrastructure by convening a high-level preparedness meeting with contractors and key stakeholders ahead of the commencement of Phase II of the upgrading of the 10.5-kilometre Ntenje–Rubule Road to bituminous standard.
The meeting, chaired by the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Henry Ddamba, brought together contractors, the supervising consultant Hersun Consultant Ltd, environmental and social safeguards consultant Ecoserv Ltd, and the district technical team led by Deputy CAO Mr. Muhumuza Stephen. Also in attendance was the Mukono District Vice Chairperson LCV, Hon. Joremu Kabali Kimera.
Addressing stakeholders, Mr. Ddamba emphasized that the district had entered a critical implementation phase following the signing of the contract agreement on 10th December 2025.
“The purpose of this meeting was to assess our level of preparedness to commence works. Since signing the agreement, we are expected to transition from planning to implementation. We have reviewed progress and agreed on key steps to ensure smooth commencement,” he said.
He further revealed that the official launch of the project is expected in early April 2026, explaining that the timeline allows contractors sufficient time to complete mobilization and establish operational readiness.
“We want to begin with a formal launch, and early April provides adequate time for full mobilization of equipment, personnel, and resources. As a district, we shall continue to support contractors to ensure readiness,” he added.
Mr. Ddamba described the Ntenje–Rubule Road project as a transformative investment that will enhance economic activity, improve mobility, and support livelihoods within the project corridor.
“This road is a major input toward economic empowerment for communities along it.
We expect improved trade, increased productivity, and easier transportation. We encourage residents to prepare to benefit from improved access to markets and services,” he emphasized.
He also expressed appreciation to the Government of Uganda for funding the project, noting that it demonstrates commitment to improving rural infrastructure and stimulating local economic development.
The Senior Highway Design Engineer and Team Leader from Hersun Consultant Ltd, Eng. Wazimbe Jonathan, informed stakeholders that both the Consultant and Contractor had achieved key preparatory milestones.
He reported that all personnel had been mobilized and deployed in both field and office locations to support implementation activities.
Reconnaissance site visits had been completed, allowing technical teams to assess the project corridor and identify potential engineering and environmental considerations.
Eng. Wazimbe further noted that topographical surveys had been successfully completed, providing essential data to guide road design. Traffic surveys are ongoing to evaluate traffic patterns and inform safety and design decisions.
Additionally, hydrological drainage studies have been completed, with hydraulic sizing of drainage structures ongoing to ensure proper storm water management. Geotechnical investigations are also underway to assess soil conditions and ensure structural stability of the road.
The Consultant is also engaging utility service providers to identify and plan relocation of utility infrastructure within the project corridor to prevent construction delays and ensure safe implementation.
During the Project Progress Update, Eng. Moses Muyonjo Kisembo from China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group presented the contractor’s progress report, highlighting key milestones achieved.
He confirmed that the Baseline Program of Works and Mobilization Schedule was submitted on 24th January 2026, providing a roadmap for implementation. The Contractor was officially handed over approximately 70 percent of the project site on 30th December 2025, allowing mobilization and preparatory works to begin.
Eng. Muyonjo also reported submission of the Contractor’s Quality Management System on 9th February 2026, demonstrating commitment to maintaining construction standards and ensuring compliance with quality and safety requirements.
The Traffic Management Plan, submitted on 26th January 2026, will ensure safe movement of road users during construction.
Significant progress has also been made in establishing operational infrastructure, including construction of the boundary wall, office block, guard house, conference and boardroom facilities, generator house, and contractor’s laboratory block.
Construction of the concrete batching plant is also underway and will play a critical role in ensuring reliable supply of quality construction materials and maintaining efficiency during implementation.
Eng. Muyonjo emphasized that these mobilization activities provide a strong foundation for the commencement of major construction works and reaffirmed the Contractor’s commitment to delivering the project in accordance with agreed timelines, quality standards, and contractual obligations.
The preparedness meeting confirmed that Mukono District Local Government, the supervising consultant, and the contractor have made substantial progress in mobilization, planning, and technical preparations for the upgrading of the Ntenje–Rubule Road Phase II.
With key technical studies completed, site infrastructure established, and coordination mechanisms in place, the project is on track for official launch in April 2026. Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, improve market access, and uplift the livelihoods of communities along the corridor.
The district leadership reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring effective coordination, strict adherence to quality standards, and timely implementation of the project, positioning the Ntenje–Rubule Road as a catalyst for sustainable development and economic transformation in Mukono District.
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