Project: Design Review and Construction Supervision for Upgrading of Luwero-Butalangu Road (29.72km) from Gravel to Class II Paved (Bitumen) Standard.
Location: Luweero and Nakaseke Districts, Central Uganda.
Contractor: DOTT Services Ltd.
Supervision Consultant: Beza Consulting Engineers PLC in association with Serefaco Consultants Ltd.
Reporting Period: April 2025
Project Overview
The Luwero-Butalangu Road upgrading project is a vital initiative by the Ministry of Works and Transport, Government of Uganda, aimed at enhancing critical infrastructure in central Uganda. This 29.72 km road, once upgraded from gravel to a paved (bitumen) standard, will significantly improve connectivity between the Luweero and Nakaseke districts. The project is expected to bolster economic development, improve access to regional administrative and social services, and reduce vehicle operating costs.
The project is funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), and the Government of Uganda (GoU).
Current Project Status (as of April 30, 2025)
- Physical Progress: Work is actively progressing, with a current completion of 39.02%.
- Financial Progress: The project has achieved 51.18% of its financial milestones.
Key Activities and Achievements in April 2025
April was a productive month with continued work across various sections of the project. Notable activities and accomplishments include
- Earthworks:
- Major activities included rock fill, particularly in permanent swamp sections.
- Processing of G-30 sub-base layer in various sections.
- Roadbed preparation, bush clearing, and topsoil removal in various sections.
- Pavement Works:
- MC-30 Prime coat was successfully sprayed in some sections, preparing the road for the next layers
- Drainage Works:
- Trimming and stone pitching of side drains commenced.
- End structures for some cross pipes at were successfully completed.
- Progress on Box Culverts included rock backfilling and waterproofing for culverts.
- Formwork, steel reinforcement, and concrete casting were finalized for the Box Culverts.
- Utility Relocation:
- Significant progress has been made on utility relocation. Overhead utility relocation is ongoing, with approximately 90% of transmission poles moved.
- Underground utility relocations are also proceeding, and backfilling for service ducts was completed at several locations
- Swamp Sections:
- Settlement monitoring is ongoing in swamp sections to ensure a stable foundation for the new road.
- Rock filling of completed box culvert works was finalized.
- Material Utilization & Production:
- The project continues to utilize material from the borrow area at Km 18+600, with a new borrow pit proposed to increase production.
- Previously used borrow pits are undergoing restoration as part of our environmental commitment.
- The Semoto production site is actively manufacturing materials for the sub-base, base course, and rock fill.
- The production of kerbstones and 600mm pipe culverts is also ongoing at the contractor’s camp yard.
Environmental, Social, Health, and Safety (ESHS) Highlights
- The project team maintains a strong commitment to environmental and social safeguards.
- The project continues to provide employment opportunities and engage with the local community to ensure positive relationships.
- Regular safety briefings and toolbox talks are conducted to maintain a safe working environment for all personnel
The Path Forward
The project team is focused on accelerating progress in the upcoming months. The focus for May 2025 includes:
- Continued roadbed preparation, including grading and compaction.
- Progression of subgrade layers, mechanically modified subbase, base course works, priming, and asphalt sections.
- Ongoing common excavations, bush clearing, and rock fill in the permanent swamp sections.
The project team remains dedicated to the successful completion of the Luwero-Butalangu Road, a key piece of infrastructure that will bring lasting benefits to the region.