The ongoing works to expand underground sewage channels in downtown Kampala has increased the problem of traffic jam along Ggaba-Kampala route.

The most affected area is opposite Shoprite. As early as 8:00am, traffic jam can be seen on Ggaba road all the way to Clock Tower. Since the sewage channels run underground, the contractors resorted to blocking off some of the access roads.

''It is very tiresome; every morning we have to wait in jam,'' said Katusiime Martha, a passenger who works in the city center.

This situation has caused more problems for daily passengers who say taxi fares have been increased. ''They are charging double price now and it is hurting our budgets,'' said Mugisha Arnold, a daily passenger who comes from Salama every morning.

Transporters have also complained about the situation. ''It is reducing the daily profits because we do fewer shifts,'' said Mugaga Mahad, a taxi driver who stages in the New Taxi Park.

The contractors, Sogea Satom, have however gone on with their work smoothly with the help of police. ''Work is going on smoothly and we still have a long way to go,'' said Ogwang Zakary, the site manager. He also explained that specific parts of the road have been excavated hence the blocking of roads and affecting the flow of traffic.

This project is part of an ongoing improvement scheme by National Water and Sewerage Corporation called the Ggaba phase III project. The first Gaba water treatment plant was built in 1928 and Gaba II was constructed in 1992 with financial assistance from the European Union.