The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, has explained the government’s long-term plan to develop Uganda’s road and transport infrastructure. He said good roads are essential for trade, economic growth, and making it easier for citizens to move across the country.
Gen Katumba was speaking on Monday during Spotlight Uganda, a programme hosted by NBS Television. The discussion focused on the challenges facing transport infrastructure and citizen mobility in Uganda.
He explained that the development of Uganda’s road network has gone through different phases since 1986. According to him, progress was slow between 1986 and 2006 because the country faced insecurity and insurgencies in many regions. During that time, government priority was security rather than major infrastructure projects.
“From 1986, we have been progressing in road development. But between 1986 and 2006, insurgency affected many parts of the country, and roads were not a priority. After 2006, we started investing more in tarmacking roads,” Gen Katumba said.
He noted that when large-scale road construction began, the government first focused on connecting Uganda to its borders. This was done to improve regional trade and link the country to major trade routes in neighbouring countries.
“The initial focus was on border roads to support cross-border trade and strengthen regional commerce,” he explained.
Gen Katumba also revealed that in 2018, the government shifted attention to building oil roads. These roads were constructed to support oil exploration and production activities, which are expected to contribute significantly to Uganda’s economic growth.
“The oil roads were built to support oil exploration so that the sector can help improve the economy,” he said.
On regional cooperation, Gen Katumba highlighted Uganda’s partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He described the DRC as one of Uganda’s biggest trading partners and said road construction between the two countries is meant to improve trade and connectivity.
“DRC is one of our largest trade partners. We earn a lot from trade with them, and good roads will help strengthen this relationship,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of roads under the Parish Development Model (PDM). He said infrastructure plays a key role in helping people transport goods from farms and production areas to markets.
“When people produce, they must reach the market. That is where we come in as the transport sector to support PDM,” Gen Katumba noted.
Looking ahead, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a modern and integrated transport system. This includes roads, railways, water transport, and air transport, all aimed at unlocking Uganda’s full economic potential.
“We are working towards an integrated transport system so that we can fully benefit from what our country has,” he said.
Gen Katumba’s remarks highlight the government’s focus on using infrastructure development as a foundation for trade, growth, and national development.
