Rwanda is implementing various road upgrading projects to improve movement, connectivity, and trade among districts in rural areas. ALSO READ: Residents upbeat over new 151km road network The New Times highlights the progress of key upcountry roads that are currently undergoing construction or rehabilitation. 1. Base–Butaro–Kidaho Road According to Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), the Base–Butaro–Kidaho road has reached 54 per cent completion, with the road spanning 63 kilometres. The road connects Rulindo and Burera districts in the Northern Province and is expected to greatly enhance mobility and economic exchange between the two areas. ALSO READ: Optimism as Base-Butaro-Kidaho road construction works resume “Once completed, this road will facilitate travel and boost trade between Burera District, Rulindo District, and surrounding areas where residents engage in business activities. It will also promote tourism around Lakes Ruhondo and Burera, unlocking the region’s full potential as a destination for eco-tourism and local investment,” reads a statement from RTDA. The Base–Butaro–Kidaho road will also improve access to critical facilities such as Butaro District Hospital, known for its cancer treatment services, and the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), both located in Butaro. 2. Nyacyonga–Mukoto road The rehabilitation of the 36-kilometre Nyacyonga–Mukoto road has reached 38.56 per cent completion, according to RTDA. The entire road will be paved with asphalt to enhance durability and usability. The project is expected to ease travel and facilitate trade between Rwanda’s Northern Province and the City of Kigali. In May 2022, the government of Rwanda and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) signed a financing agreement worth $18 million (Rwf22.7 billion) to rehabilitate the 36-kilometre road. ALSO READ: Nyacyonga-Mukoto road gets funding It starts at the Kigali–Gatuna junction in Gasabo District and ends at the Kigali–Musanze road junction in Rulindo District. The road will also serve as a diversion route to reduce traffic congestion on the national road network, particularly on routes to and from the Northern and Western provinces along the DR Congo border. The financing agreement is concessional, with a 1.75 per cent interest rate over 20 years, including a five-year grace period. The total project cost is estimated at $41 million. 3. Kibugabuga–Shinga–Gasoro road (66.5 km) On October 26, the Board of Directors (BoD) of the RTDA carried out a comprehensive field visit to several strategic infrastructure projects, including the 66.5-kilometre Kibugabuga–Shinga–Gasoro road. The upgrading of the road is nearing completion, with finalisation expected in 2025. This project marks a milestone as one of the first asphalt main roads directly linking Rwanda’s Eastern and Southern provinces. Once operational, it is expected to improve mobility, enhance trade, and accelerate socio-economic development for communities along the route. The road will improve connectivity between Bugesera and other districts in the Eastern and Southern provinces, creating a direct route that reduces travel time and transport costs. Bugesera, a rapidly developing district and the site of Rwanda’s largest international airport under construction, will particularly benefit from the improved infrastructure. The project will also enhance access to essential services such as education and healthcare, while enabling farmers and traders to transport goods more efficiently. 4. Pindura–Bweyeye road project (32 km) The 32-kilometre Pindura–Bweyeye road upgrade project, which involved tarmacking, has been completed. The progress was assessed by the RTDA Board of Directors on October 26. The road, now fully operational, connects the rural areas of Pindura to Bweyeye Sector, running through the breathtaking Nyungwe National Park and ending at the Ruhwa River, where Rwanda shares its border with Burundi. Previously, the route was often inaccessible and difficult to navigate. The upgrade has transformed it into a vital link for the Bweyeye community. Before the rehabilitation, residents faced challenges accessing markets, schools, and health facilities. Farmers struggled to transport their produce, leading to higher costs and delayed deliveries. With improved road conditions, residents can now transport agricultural products more easily, reducing costs and travel time while improving the flow of goods. 5. Huye–Kitabi road (53 km) The 53-kilometre Huye–Kitabi road, inaugurated in October, connects the Southern and Western regions, passing through Nyamagabe District and the scenic Nyungwe Forest. ALSO READ: Saudi Fund finances Huye-Kitabi road construction The road not only enhances regional connectivity but also boosts access to one of Rwanda’s most treasured natural landmarks, promoting tourism and local development. It improves access to Nyungwe National Park and supports tea producers by enabling faster transport to markets. The Huye–Kitabi road also connects several commercial centres, including Gasarenda, Nyamagabe Town, and nearby areas, facilitating trade and daily travel. 6. Rubengera–Gisiza road (25 km) The 25-kilometre Rubengera–Gisiza road is part of 151 kilometres of upgraded roads inaugurated in October. It strengthens agricultural logistics along Lake Kivu and promotes regional trade. 7. Nyagatare–Rukomo road (73 km) The 73-kilometre Nyagatare–Rukomo road, recently inaugurated in Eastern Province, enhances cross-border trade and supports the agro-industrial sector in the region. ALSO READ: Rwf11bn for Nyagatare-Rukomo road construction 8. Kibuye–Kiziba road (14.5 km) The newly inaugurated 14.5-kilometre Kibuye–Kiziba road connects Karongi Town to Kiziba, Rwanda’s oldest refugee camp. The road has been long awaited, especially by residents of Rwankuba Sector and the Kiziba camp community, who previously faced challenges due to its poor condition. Non-governmental organisations operating in the camp also struggled with limited access. 9. Nyaruguru feeder roads (70.78 km) RTDA has successfully completed 100 per cent of construction work on a 70.78-kilometre network of feeder roads in Nyaruguru District. These roads are designed to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade, helping rural residents access markets, services, and economic opportunities more efficiently. 10. Upcoming 215 km road project On March 24, 2025, the government launched a project to construct 215 kilometres of tarmac roads aimed at improving internal connectivity and linking Rwanda with neighbouring countries, including Uganda, DR Congo, and Burundi. The projects include the Ngororero–Musanze–Cyanika road connecting to Uganda, the Bugarama–Bweyeye road in Rusizi District connecting to Burundi, and the Ngororero (Kazabwe)–Rutsiro road near DR Congo. Another planned road is the Kinigi–Kora road in Musanze and Nyabihu districts.
