On 1st March 2025, the Ministry of Works and Transport has officially opened the bid for the Kampala Jinja Expressway (KJE) project, marking a critical step in the long-awaited infrastructure development. The bid opening, which took place in the presence of key government officials, signals the beginning of the next phase in the procurement process.
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The project, which is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aims to improve connectivity between Uganda’s capital, Kampala, and Jinja, one of the country’s major economic hubs. A single consortium submitted a bid following the prequalification of four consortia that had been invited to submit proposals for the project.
Key Dates for the Kampala Jinja Expressway Project
- Project Approval: October 2018
- Loan Approval: 2020
- Procurement Notice Published: Closing date set for December 2025
- Bid Submission Announcement: November 2024
- Expected Contractor Selection: December 2024
- Planned Completion: June 2027
The project faced delays due to issues related to project-affected persons, but the government has reaffirmed its commitment to moving forward. With the bid evaluation now underway, progress is expected to accelerate.
Kampala Jinja Expressway Bid Evaluation and Next Steps
According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the bid evaluation phase has now commenced. This process will assess the bidder’s compliance with legal, technical, environmental, and financial requirements. Officials anticipate that the evaluation will be completed within two months, after which a decision will be made on whether the consortium meets the necessary criteria for contract award.
How much will the Kampala Jinja Expressway cost?
The Kampala Jinja Expressway is expected to cost approximately UGX 5 trillion ($1.4 billion) and is designed as a tolled freeway. Once completed, it will feature:
- An eight-lane section for the first four kilometers
- A six-lane section extending to Mukono
- A four-lane section from Mukono to Jinja
Additional features include more than 60 bridges, major interchanges, link roads, fencing, lighting, and toll plazas to enhance security and efficiency.
How will Kampala Jinja Expressway boost Regional Trade and Connectivity?
The Kampala Jinja Expressway forms a critical segment of the international transport corridor linking Uganda to Kenya’s port of Mombasa. The improved infrastructure will enhance the movement of goods and services, benefiting trade routes to and from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.
Currently, the existing Kampala–Jinja highway is one of the busiest transport corridors in East Africa, often plagued by severe congestion. The expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, ease traffic flow, and improve economic productivity in the region.
Government Commitment to Infrastructure Development
The Kampala Jinja Expressway bid opening event was attended by senior officials, including Ms. Barbara Namugambe, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Works & Transport, who represented the Permanent Secretary. Also present was Mr. Jim Mugunga, Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnerships Unit at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.
With the procurement process now progressing to the evaluation stage, stakeholders remain keenly interested in the project’s next steps. The expressway is set to be one of Uganda’s most transformative road projects, aligning with the country’s broader strategy to enhance infrastructure and leverage opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
