In a significant stride towards strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability in urban development, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has signed a commitment card to adopt and implement the new CoST data points under the Open Contracting for Infrastructure Data Standard (OC4IDS) in its infrastructure project selection and appraisal processes.
Mr. Benon Kigenyi (KCCA) speaking at Validation event
The commitment was made during a high-level Validation Workshop convened on 19th June 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel-Kampala.
The activity followed a successful completion of a pilot modelling exercise of CoST Uganda’s Responsible Infrastructure Project involving 12 KCCA road projects valued at over USD 300 million in Kampala
Elevating Project Selection with Standard Data
The new CoST data points recently expanded to include climate finance, social, economic, institutional, and environmental dimensions, offering a more holistic lens through which public infrastructure projects can be selected, appraised, and implemented. Results were presented by our Africa Regional Manager and Learning Lead, Ms. Olive Kabatwairwe, with the leadership of Geoffrey Odong-CoST Manager-Uganda.
Findings from the modelling exercise revealed gaps in domestically funded projects, where limited documentation, outdated environmental and social assessments, and poor community engagement hindered effective planning and implementation.
In contrast, internationally funded projects demonstrated better compliance and documentation standards, particularly in areas of risk management, social safeguards, and climate considerations.
KCCA’s Commitment to Data Points
On signing the commitment card, KCCA’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Benon Kigenyi, commits to integrate these updated OC4IDS data points into their planning processes, ensuring that decisions are based on objective, complete, and with citizen inputs.
Mr. Benon also reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to transparency and proactive planning, emphasizing that infrastructure development must reflect not just technical and political priorities but also the real needs and aspirations of Kampala’s communities.
Hon. Mayor Paul shakes hands with KCCA ED -Mr. Kigenyi, as Eng. Kigozi signs pledge card during event.
National Endorsement and Collaboration
The Ministry of Works and Transport, represented by Mr. Robert Kigozi, officially released the pilot results and applauded KCCA’s leadership for accepting to pilot the project.
He urged other government entities to adopt CoST tools and standards to enhance a responsible, inclusive, and data-driven infrastructure project delivery.
The event also brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance, NEMA, community leaders such as the Mayor for Nakawa Division, Hon. Paul Mugambe, civil society, and the media, who echoed the importance of bridging political, technical, and community interests through participatory planning.
Ms. Olive K-left(Rep. CoST IS), Hon Mugambe next (Nakawa Mayor), Eng Kigozi?(Rep. MoWT), Mr. Kigenyi Benon and Geoffrey during the signing of pledge cards
What Lies Ahead of Validation workshop?
The final report will be submitted to KCCA in July 2025, followed by a learning webinar between Uganda and Jalisco, Mexico that shall be organized by CoST IS.
Discussions with project funders are also planned to explore the scale-up potential of the Responsible Infrastructure Project.
Signed Commitment
Our Call to Action
KCCA’s public commitment to consider and implement the new data points as a process for effective project selection and appraisal. Embracing such a standard builds public trust and confidence on how infrastructure project are delivered for the citizens.
We call upon all stakeholders; government, civil society, communities, and the private sector to work together -adopt the 32 data points for Open contracting, especially in project selection and appraisal, to ensure meaningful change in the infrastructure sector.
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