By Our Reporter
In a rare and refreshing shift toward empowering homegrown expertise, Dott Services Limited, a Ugandan construction firm, has taken the lead in a transformative urban infrastructure project that will see 24 key roads across Kampala upgraded and reconstructed.
The project, covering 14.65 kilometers, marks a turning point not just in Kampala’s road network—but in the broader conversation about local content, national pride, and sustainable development.
While the spotlight often shines on foreign contractors in Uganda’s major infrastructure projects, this time, the beam is firmly focused on Ugandan engineering excellence. Dott Services, long regarded as a reliable player in regional projects, is now tasked with modernizing some of the most critical urban arteries in the capital.
During the commissioning of Kabaka’s Lake Road, one of the 24 earmarked roads, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Hajjat Minsa Kabanda praised Dott Services for mobilizing quickly and showing strong commitment to timely delivery.
“I thank the government of Uganda for the funding and Dott Services for getting off the blocks early,” she said. “This is a clear sign that we can trust local companies with big projects. I urge them to deliver beyond expectations.”
Kabanda emphasized that the designs for the roads allow room for community feedback and adaptability, making this project more inclusive than its predecessors.
The 24 roads to be reconstructed include notorious trouble spots like Market Street, Wilson Road, Bukoto Street, Nsamba Road, Lower Kololo Terrace, and Golf Course Road, among others—roads that have long symbolized Kampala’s struggle with potholes, poor drainage, and congestion.
A Shift From Outsourcing To Ownership
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, often a critic of city mismanagement, welcomed the initiative—particularly for what it represents: a renewed focus on local capacity.
“In the past, nearly all these projects were outsourced to foreign firms. There was no sense of local ownership,” Lukwago said. “Now, with companies like Dott Services leading the way, we are seeing a real change. This is how you build a resilient economy.”
Lukwago also hailed the increased government infrastructure budget, which now stands at UGX 550 billion—a major jump that signals stronger political will toward urban renewal.
This isn’t just about resurfacing roads. It’s about restoring trust in public projects, reviving local economies, and ensuring urban inclusivity.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki said the authority is working closely with both the contractor and the project supervisor, MBW Consulting Limited, to ensure that the roads meet modern engineering standards and are delivered within the stipulated three-year timeline.
“In just a few years, we expect Kampala to look and feel very different,” Buzeki said. “This is part of a broader vision for a smart, accessible, and inclusive city.”
Dott Services has already proven its capacity in national projects like Rwenkunye–Apach, Ishaka–Kagamba, and Ttinyi–Nakalama, and now their expertise will be put to the ultimate test—revamping the congested, often-criticized streets of Uganda’s capital.
As bulldozers rumble to life and roadworks begin, this project is about far more than fixing potholes. It’s a litmus test for Uganda’s ability to build using its own hands, support indigenous expertise, and listen to the voices of its citizens.
If successful, Dott Services won’t just upgrade roads—they’ll redefine what it means to trust Ugandan firms with Uganda’s future.
