transportation 5 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Busoga region anticipates long-awaited road tarmac after 25-year wait
After a quarter-century of waiting, residents of Uganda's Busoga region are hopeful as Parliament approves funding for the tarmacking of the crucial Ambercourt-Mbulamuti-Kamuli-Bukungu road. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/25-years-after-museveni-s-pledge-busoga-awaits-tarmacking-of-major-road-5584910
For over two decades, the people of Busoga have been waiting for the fulfillment of a presidential pledge made in 2001 to tarmac the 127-kilometer Ambercourt-Mbulamuti-Kamuli-Bukungu road, a vital artery for trade and transport in the region.
This significant infrastructure project, which connects Jinja, Kamuli, and Buyende districts, has been a recurring promise in government manifestos and budget speeches, yet the road has remained largely unpaved, causing considerable frustration among residents who believe the delay has hampered the local economy.
However, a new wave of optimism has emerged following the Parliament’s approval of Shs842.6 billion (approximately €207.745 million) for the roadworks. This funding, secured from Citi Bank and other financial institutions, will cover not only the civil works but also land acquisition, construction supervision, and design reviews.
The approved financing comes as a relief to local leaders like Buyende LCV Chairperson, Sharif Mangaraine, who expressed eagerness for the project’s commencement. “We are all excited, anxious and can’t wait for its start,” he stated, urging the expeditious implementation of the project.
The upgrade is expected to significantly improve connectivity, stimulate trade, and open up the Buyende district to the Teso and Lango sub-regions. The civil works contract was awarded in March 2023 to PowerChina International Group Limited, with a construction period of 36 months.
Key to the project’s progression is the compensation of affected persons. The Ministry of Works and Transport has adjusted compensation estimates and the road reserve width to manage costs. Additionally, leaders are advocating for urban centers along the route to receive a fair share of the 10 kilometers of urban roads included in the project.
The road’s strategic importance extends beyond Busoga, as it will link to Amolatar, Kaberamaido, Soroti, Nakasongola, and Karunga, potentially boosting tourism and reducing transport costs.
The ultimate challenge now lies in ensuring the approved funds translate into tangible progress, leading to the completion of the much-anticipated tarmac road.