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Uganda has officially begun a major regional infrastructure project, signing agreements with the Central African Republic (CAR) and South Sudan to construct a 1,100-kilometre road network aimed at boosting connectivity and trade between the three nations.
The announcement was made by President Yoweri Museveni at the State Lodge in Fort Portal, following a high-level Tripartite meeting in Kampala.
A milestone for regional integration
The project covers vital road corridors starting from Uganda’s capital Kampala through Karuma, Arua, Oraba, Kaya, Yeyi, to Juba in South Sudan, and further extending towards the Central African Republic.
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The routes include Kampala-Karuma-Nimule-Juba-Kaya-Yeyi-Juba and additional connections such as Juba-Mundri-Maridi-Yambio-Yubo-Ezo-Bambouti-Obo-Sibuti, linking South Sudan to CAR, and Ezo-Source-Yubu-Bambouti connecting South Sudan with CAR.
Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, led the three-day meeting and emphasised the project’s significance in enhancing economic growth and fostering regional stability.
“This robust road infrastructure development project will not only improve transportation but also serve as a catalyst for trade and security across our region,” he stated.
The ministers agreed on phased development and pledged joint mobilisation of funding from development partners, framing the roads as a regional trade corridor that will unlock new commercial opportunities.
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Collaborative technical planning and aviation boost
To ensure effective implementation, a Tripartite Technical Committee (TTC) was formed. It comprises officials from Ministries of Transport, Infrastructure, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and the Solicitor General offices from the three countries.
The TTC is tasked with conducting joint inspections, finalising road alignments, carrying out feasibility studies, and establishing a shared implementation framework.
In addition to the road project, Uganda and the Central African Republic signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to operationalise the BASA, which includes plans for Uganda Airlines to commence flights to CAR. This aviation collaboration aims to enhance regional connectivity and reduce travel times.
Representatives from CAR and South Sudan expressed optimism about the initiative. Hon Eric Mathieu Rokosse-Kamot, CAR’s Minister for Equipment and Public Works, noted the road project would significantly boost commerce and ease transportation challenges.
Similarly, South Sudan’s Minister for Roads and Bridges, Hon Simon Mijok Mijak, highlighted the roads’ potential to improve security and economic integration.
Strengthening diplomatic ties and future prospects
The meeting was attended by government officials and diplomats, including Uganda’s Solicitor General Mr Pius Perry Biribonwoha, and ambassadors from South Sudan and CAR.
They underscored the visionary leadership of the heads of state in addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and security issues for enhanced regional trade.
President Museveni expressed confidence that the initiative would bring about transformative infrastructure improvements, security enhancements, and greater aviation connectivity, positioning the region for sustainable economic growth and closer cooperation.
As these ambitious infrastructure projects unfold, Uganda, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic are taking concrete steps toward deeper regional integration, improved trade facilitation, and strengthened diplomatic relationships.