The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced a major step in the procurement process for the long-awaited Kampala-Jinja Expressway (KJE) project.
Yesterday, officials opened a bid from one consortium, marking a crucial milestone in the selection process for the contractor to undertake the project.
The expressway is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity between Kampala and Jinja, reducing travel time, and enhancing trade along the Northern Corridor, which links Uganda to Kenya and the broader East African region.
Initially, four consortia had been prequalified to submit bids for the construction of the expressway. However, only one firm successfully submitted a bid by the deadline.
Next Steps in the Selection Process
According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the evaluation process is now underway to assess the legal, technical, environmental, and financial compliance of the bid.
This assessment is expected to take no more than two months, after which a decision will be made on whether the bidder qualifies for the contract award.
The bid opening session was witnessed by key government officials, including Ms. Barbara Namugambe, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Transport, and Mr. Jim Mugunga, Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Unit at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.
Project Significance and Expected Impact
The Kampala-Jinja Expressway is expected to cost approximately $1.48 billion and will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Once completed, the expressway will significantly ease traffic congestion on the existing Kampala-Jinja highway, which is one of the busiest routes in Uganda.
The 95km toll road will feature a dual carriageway with controlled access, allowing for faster and safer travel. It is anticipated that the new expressway will reduce travel time between Kampala and Jinja from over three hours to just one hour, improving trade efficiency and supporting economic growth.
With the procurement process progressing, Ugandans await the final selection of the contractor who will spearhead the project, expected to play a vital role in modernising the country’s road network and boosting regional trade.
