KAMPALA, Uganda — The Government of Uganda has committed UGX 4.28 trillion (approximately USD 1.1 billion) towards road construction and infrastructure development in the 2025/26 financial year, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija announced during the national budget presentation.
The allocation will support the construction of new roads and the continuation of critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing national and regional connectivity. Minister Kasaija outlined a comprehensive list of priority roads slated for construction and rehabilitation, emphasizing the government’s determination to accelerate socio-economic transformation through improved transport networks.
Key roads earmarked for construction and upgrades include:
- Puranga–Acholibur (65 km)
- Kampala–Gayaza–Kalagi (33 km)
- Lugazi–Buikwe–Kiyindi (28 km)
- Kabwohe–Bwizibwera–Nyakambu–Nsika–Nyakabirizi (92.2 km)
- Kisubi–Nakawuka–Natete–Kasanje–Mpigi–Mawugulu–Nanziga–Maya–Buwaya (71 km)
- Busega–Mpigi Expressway (10 km)
- Najjanankumbi–Busabala (11 km)
- Lusalira–Nkonge–Lumegere–Sembabule (97 km)
- Karugutu–Ntoroko (50 km)
- Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi (15.1 km)
- Kisoro–Nkuringo–Lubugiri–Muko (70 km)
- Laropi–Moyo–Afoji (39 km), including a new bridge at Laropi
- Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo (105 km)
- Namagumba–Budadiri–Nalugugu (33 km)
- Tororo–Busia (25 km)
- Katuna–Muko–Kamuganguzi (104 km)
- Moroto–Lokitanyala (42 km)
- Hamurwa–Kerere–Kanungu (47 km)
- Lyantonde–Kashagama–Nyabitanga–Ntusi (57.7 km)
- Isingiro–Rugaaga–Mutukula–Ngarama–Kashumba–Kasese (164 km), along the Tanzania border
Additionally, the government has prioritized the construction of the Masindi and Karuma bridges and the commencement of the Kampala–Jinja Expressway through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Maintenance of the existing national road network and enhancement of district, urban, and community access roads (DUCAR) remains a key budget focus, ensuring sustainable road usability and resilience.
Progress and Achievements
Minister Kasaija highlighted steady progress in road infrastructure development. Uganda’s tarmacked road network now spans 6,287.6 kilometers—30% of the total network—up from 3,112 kilometers in 2010/11. This expansion has significantly reduced travel times; for instance, the journey from Malaba to Kisoro now takes just 10 hours, compared to 48 hours previously.
Major expressways such as the Kampala–Jinja and Busega–Mpigi highways have been completed, creating tarmacked connections to all international border points. In the past fiscal year alone, 125 kilometers of roads were rehabilitated, over 100 kilometers were upgraded to bituminous standards, and UGX 579 billion was allocated to routine maintenance.
Urban Upgrades and Oil Sector Infrastructure
In Kampala, road and drainage infrastructure is undergoing extensive upgrades, with UGX 1.4 trillion allocated for city improvements. The Kampala Flyover and Road Upgrading Project has been completed, and 10 bridges under construction have reached 74.7% completion.
Furthermore, over 700 kilometers of roads have been built in the Albertine Region to support the growing oil and gas sector, underscoring the strategic importance of transport in unlocking Uganda’s economic potential.
Conclusion
This substantial investment signals the government’s continued commitment to improving road infrastructure as a cornerstone of economic growth, trade facilitation, and inclusive development across the country.
