Minister Byamukama Gives 7 Days to Contractors to Finalize Northern Bypass 

By Sadique Bamwita 

Kampala 

The Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, has given 7 days to the contractors undertaking maintenance works on Kampala’s Northern Bypass to complete construction works by Monday next week to ease the persistent traffic congestion that has frustrated thousands of motorists.

The minister delivered the directive on July 5,2026 while inspecting the ongoing maintenance works on the Namungoona–Bwaise section of the Northern Bypass. “I’m giving the contractor up to Monday next week to complete the ongoing maintenance works on the Northern Bypass,” Byamukama told contractors.

The ultimatum followed growing public concerns on lengthy traffic jams on one of Kampala’s busiest transport corridors, which serves as a vital link for commuters, cargo transporters and motorists travelling through and around the city.

During the inspection, Byamukama instructed the contractor to expedite the remaining construction works by deploying the necessary equipment and manpower to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeline.

He acknowledged that the prolonged maintenance works have caused significant inconvenience to road users, many of whom have endured hours-long traffic delays during peak travel periods.

“The prolonged traffic congestion along this critical corridor has caused significant inconvenience to motorists,” the minister said, emphasizing the need for urgent completion of the works.

The Namungoona–Bwaise section is one of the busiest stretches of the Northern Bypass, carrying heavy volumes of traffic connecting western and northern parts of Kampala while serving motorists seeking to avoid the congested city centre.

The ongoing maintenance works have required traffic diversions and lane restrictions, resulting in severe congestion, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

Motorists have repeatedly raised concerns over the slow pace of the works, with many calling on authorities to ensure contractors complete road projects within agreed timelines to minimize disruption.

Byamukama’s inspection forms part of the Ministry of Works and Transport’s efforts to monitor progress on critical road infrastructure projects and ensure contractors meet their contractual obligations.

Byamukama’s directive symbolizes the government’s growing impatience with delays on major road maintenance projects, particularly those affecting strategic transport corridors in the capital.

If the contractor meets the minister’s deadline, road users could see improved traffic flow along the Northern Bypass beginning next week, bringing relief to thousands of daily commuters and businesses that rely on the route.

The Ministry of Works and Transport has not indicated whether penalties will be imposed should the contractor fail to complete the works within the newly issued deadline.