The African Development Bank approved additional funding of 217 million euros for road projects linking Uganda and Rwanda on Wednesday. This financing will complete the Busega Mpigi Expressway and Kagitumba Kayonza Rusumo corridors to strengthen regional trade connections. Construction delays pushed the completion date from 2023 to 2026 due to land disputes, pandemic disruptions and design changes.
The upgraded expressway will feature new interchanges, bridges and toll plazas to ease persistent traffic jams between Kampala and Kigali. Travel time along the 27-kilometer route should decrease from over two hours to less than 45 minutes, benefiting one million residents. Project costs increased to 425 million euros total, with Uganda contributing 31 million euros. Road work resumes in January 2026, aiming for full completion by 2030. The project promises 1200 jobs during construction and operation phases, with women and youth receiving at least 30 percent of opportunities. Bank officials stated the improvements will enhance market access and stimulate economic growth across the region.
The upgraded expressway will feature new interchanges, bridges and toll plazas to ease persistent traffic jams between Kampala and Kigali. Travel time along the 27-kilometer route should decrease from over two hours to less than 45 minutes, benefiting one million residents. Project costs increased to 425 million euros total, with Uganda contributing 31 million euros. Road work resumes in January 2026, aiming for full completion by 2030. The project promises 1200 jobs during construction and operation phases, with women and youth receiving at least 30 percent of opportunities. Bank officials stated the improvements will enhance market access and stimulate economic growth across the region.
