The latest reporting suggests the Kampala–Jinja Expressway may start in 2026 , with one March 2026 update saying a contractor could be on ground by July 2026 and another report saying works were expected to start in December 2025 ; the project has clearly been delayed, so the exact start date is still not fully fixed.

What the updates say

  • A March 2026 report quoted the Works Ministry saying it expected to have a contractor on site by July.
  • Another 2025 infrastructure briefing said road construction works were expected to start in December 2025.
  • A March 2025 bid-opening report showed the project was still in procurement, which explains why timelines have kept slipping.

Practical read

For a simple answer: the most realistic 2026 start window appears to be mid-2026, possibly around July, but it is not guaranteed. Since procurement and negotiation were still being finalized in early 2026, any start date should be treated as tentative.

Why it keeps moving

This project has been in the pipeline for years, and different reports have cited different timelines, from earlier commissioning targets to more recent procurement milestones. That usually means land acquisition, financing, and contractor selection are still affecting the schedule.

tldr

  • Likely 2026 start: yes.
  • Best current estimate: around July 2026.
  • Confidence level: medium to low, because the project has already faced repeated delays.