The Kampala–Mpigi Expressway (also known as the Busega–Mpigi Expressway) isn’t just another stretch of tarmac — it’s a transformative national project. Connecting Kampala to Mpigi, this expressway promises to ease congestion, drive real estate growth, and unlock economic potential for central and western Uganda.
At Smeaton Constructions, we recognize the profound ripple effects this mega‐project is catalyzing across construction, transport, and investment landscapes.
Project Overview
- Length: 22–23 km dual carriageway from Busega (Kampala) to Mpigi
- Design Features: Four lanes, 4 major interchanges, 13 bridges, 21.3 km of service roads, and 4 toll plazas
- Original Budget: USD 132 million (~UGX 547.5 billion) — funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Uganda
- Revised Cost: UGX 1.35 trillion (~USD 350 million) — due to land compensation challenges and material cost escalations
Source: UNRA Reports AfDB Press Release
Construction Progress & Delays
- Start Date: May 2020
- Contractors: China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) & China Railway 19th Bureau
- Completion Status: 43% as of September 2024
- Expected Completion: 2027 (initially projected for 2023)
- Delays Due To: COVID-19 disruptions, land acquisition disputes, and financial shortfalls
Why the Expressway Matters
1. Time Savings & Efficiency
Travel time from Mpigi to Kampala will drop from over an hour to just 20–30 minutes. This improves commuter productivity and logistics efficiency.
2. Boost to Regional Trade
The expressway is part of the Northern Corridor, which connects Uganda to Kenya, Rwanda, and the DRC. This is a major win for regional trade and supply chain flow.
3. Real Estate & Construction Growth
Land near the expressway is increasing in value. New suburbs, gated estates, shopping centres, and industrial hubs are being planned especially near Katende and Maya interchanges.
4. Economic Returns
According to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), the project is expected to deliver over $251 million in economic returns, representing a yield of over 20%.
5. Accountability & Oversight
Uganda’s Auditor General flagged over UGX 30.8 billion in arrears and highlighted inefficiencies that must be addressed to ensure long-term success.
What It Means for the Construction Industry
As the expressway opens up new land for development, construction companies like Smeaton are stepping in to offer:
- Site assessments for landowners
- Custom structural designs suited to new access roads
- Residential and commercial builds optimized for modern transport links
Now is the time to prepare property developers, business owners, and investors must act before land prices spike further.
Are You Planning a Project Near the Expressway?
At Smeaton Constructions, we help landowners and developers:
- Navigate permits
- Plan energy-efficient building designs
- Deliver high-quality construction on time and within budget
👉 Contact us today to schedule a free site consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What exactly is the Kampala–Mpigi Expressway?
A: A 22–23 km expressway from Busega to Mpigi aimed at decongesting Greater Kampala.
Q: What is the project’s budget and funding source?
A: Initially USD 132 million; now revised to UGX 1.35 trillion, co-funded by the Government of Uganda and AfDB.
Q: When will the project be completed?
A: The project is expected to be completed in 2027, after several delays.
Q: Who are the contractors?
A: A Chinese consortium made up of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Railway 19th Bureau.