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.

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.

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.

Project Factsheet

Participating countries: Uganda, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR).

Total length: Approximately 1,100 kilometers.

Objective: To improve trade, connectivity, and security across the three nations.

Key connection points:

• Uganda to South Sudan: Kampala–Karuma–Nimule–Juba–Kaya–Yei–Juba.
• South Sudan to CAR: Juba–Mundri–Maridi–Yambio–Yubo–Ezo–Bambouti–Obo–Sibuti.
• Additional link: Ezo–Source–Yubu–Bambouti (connecting South Sudan and CAR).

Project phases:

• Phase I (Short-Term): Focuses on urgent repairs, including gravel road upgrades and bridge maintenance to improve immediate access between the countries.
• Phase II (Medium to Long-Term): Involves paving gravel roads and rehabilitating existing paved routes to create a major trade corridor.

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.