Road project between Rwanda, Uganda gets over Rwf360bn in funding

The African Development Bank Group, on Thursday, November 6, approved an additional €217.37 million (approx. 365 billion) for a road project that connects Rwanda and Uganda. The Busega–Mpigi and Kagitumba–Kayonza–Rusumo Roads Project is expected to enhance regional connectivity and trade. ALSO READ: Kagitumba-Kayonza-Rusumo road upgrades ‘will spur regional growth’ The upgrade project of the Rwandan section, the 208-kilometre Kagitumba–Kayonza–Rusumo road, was launched in 2018. The road forms part of the broader multinational roads project and is considered a key link between the Northern Corridor and the Central Corridor, which link multiple countries in the region. It is expected to contribute to socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and regional integration among the three neighbouring East African Community (EAC) countries. AfDB stated that the additional resources will finance the construction of new interchanges, bridges, toll plazas, and service lanes, including the Busega Interchange, which will connect the expressway to the Northern Bypass. These improvements aim to alleviate chronic traffic congestion between Busega and Mpigi, a major bottleneck along the Northern Corridor linking Kampala to Kigali. Funding will also cover land compensation, project management, and capacity enhancement for Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure smooth execution following recent institutional restructuring. ALSO READ: How Rusumo cross-border infrastructure boosted Rwanda’s regional integration Once completed, the 27.3-kilometre expressway is expected to reduce travel time from over two hours to under 45 minutes, improving access to markets and social services for more than one million residents and traders in Busega, Mpigi, and surrounding communities. The total cost of the upgraded Ugandan section now stands at €424.61 million, up from the original €176.26 million, reflecting an expanded project scope. Additional components to be financed include seven new bridges and 54 kilometres of lined drainage channels. ALSO READ: Revamped Kagitumba-Rusumo road credited for easing movement, trade The project is expected to generate over 1,200 jobs — 800 during construction and 400 during operations — with at least 30% of opportunities reserved for women and youth. It will also empower local women through entrepreneurship and skills development initiatives linked to roadside economic opportunities. “This project is more than a road; it is a lifeline for communities and a gateway for trade,” said George Makajuma, the bank’s Principal Transport Engineer and project task manager. “The additional financing ensures that the Busega–Mpigi Expressway delivers safer, faster, and more inclusive transport for millions, unlocking the region’s economic potential.” Construction under the additional financing is scheduled to resume in January 2026 and conclude by December 2029, with full project completion expected in 2030.

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Road project between Rwanda, Uganda gets over Rwf360bn in funding