A massive infrastructure project estimated at Rwf145 billion is set to transform traffic flow across Sonatubes, Gishushu, and Kwa Lando junctions, key congestion hotspots in Kigali. The project, part of the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement (KUTI) initiative, is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026 and run for three years.
The upgrades will include the construction of three modern junctions, social infrastructure for nearby communities, road safety measures, and livelihood restoration for expropriated residents. Detailed design work is scheduled to begin in July 2026, according to the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA).
RTDA Director General Imena Munyampenda confirmed that the agency has started the process of selecting a contractor and that a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) will guide fair and lawful compensation for affected property owners.
“The project will also create significant employment opportunities once construction begins, though the final number of jobs will depend on the detailed design and construction methodology,” Munyampenda said.
At the city level, officials say the initiative will significantly enhance public transport integration and ease persistent congestion.
“The Sonatubes, Kwa Lando, and Gishushu junctions are among Kigali’s busiest traffic points. Their redesign will greatly improve traffic flow and public mobility,” said Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, the City of Kigali’s Director General for Communication and Community Education.
She noted that temporary road diversions and alternative routes will be established during construction to ensure minimal disruption to movement.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is financing the project through a $100 million loan, highlighting its commitment to Kigali’s smart mobility agenda.
Planned designs include a 740-metre underpass at Kwa Lando, a 500-metre flyover at Gishushu, and a 620-metre underpass at Sonatubes, all aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion, particularly during rush hours.
City engineers say the project will not only modernize traffic management but also make Kigali’s transport system safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable—paving the way for a future of smoother urban mobility.