Kampala — THERE was a festive mood at the former Jinja road roundabout yesterday when Japan handed over the upgraded road junction to the Government.

A section of the junction was sealed off as guests sat under two tents erected on the road, to witness the Japanese ambassador Ryuzo Kikuchi, handing over the project to works minister John Nasasira.

The $2.75m (about sh4.6b) reconstruction of the roundabout was executed under the project for the improvement of traffic flow in Kampala city.

Under jubilations, Kikuchi turned on the traffic lights as drums roared in the background.

Earlier, Kikuchi and Nasasira inspected the road, cut the tape and unveiled a plaque, heralding the bond between the people of the two countries.

The Ndeere dance troupe served a grill of local dances as they regaled guests with their scintillating performance.

Kikuchi said more was to come in the transport sector, as his country was financing a study on Kampala's transport needs.

"This study, starting in a few months, aims at drawing a blueprint for the road improvement in the greater Kampala, and will give you a prospect on the future development plan of Kampala transport," he announced, to thunderous applause.

Nasasira thanked the Japanese government for the project, pointing out that several projects financed by the Japanese Government were in the pipeline. Work on the roundabout started in March 2007 and was to be completed in October.