A further $249 million funding is being provided for Uganda’s Busega-Mpigi Expressway project. The funding package is being provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The cost of the 24km expressway project, with two lanes in either direction, has spiralled. The work was originally expected to cost $145 million but this has increased substantially to $345.5 million.
Work started on the project in May 2020 by Chinese firm China Communications Construction Company and was originally due for completion in 2023. This was then extended to late 2026. However, the project has been delayed due to factors including the COVID 19 pandemic, a shortage of funds and disagreements over land and the alignment selected. The project has also become more complex with the addition of several interchanges and bridges as well as a link to the important Kampala-Entebbe route that were not included in the original plan.
Meanwhile, work is also underway for upgrading of the Kasindi-Beni route linking Uganda with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The route will offer a better transport connection between the two countries once the work is complete. Resurfacing is being carried out on the route and this will cut journey times and boost transport.
