President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the construction of the Kayunga–Bbaale–Galiraya Road, a key infrastructure project aimed at transforming connectivity between Northern, Central, and Northeastern Uganda.
The project launch took place in Kayunga District, where the president was joined by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni.
The 87km road, financed through a deferred payment model with CRBC, is expected to halve travel time between Northern and Central Uganda and stimulate economic activity across key sectors.
Constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the 87-kilometre road is expected to cost Shs213.9 billion (approximately $57 million).
The contractor will pre-finance the project, with government payments scheduled to begin two years after construction commences. Supervision will be handled internally by the Ministry of Works and Transport.
President Museveni described the road as a long-awaited strategic investment, noting its potential to unlock economic opportunities by shortening the route between Northern Uganda and Kampala.
“From Amolatar, through Kayunga, it’s around 100 miles to Kampala. If you go the long way around Lake Kyoga via Karuma and Soroti, you end up doing about 200 miles. That’s why this road is very important,” the President said.
He praised the people of Kayunga for voluntarily offering land without demanding compensation, a gesture he described as both patriotic and pragmatic.
“You have said give us the road; we won’t charge for the land. That’s clever and patriotic,” Museveni said, adding that the waiver had saved government nearly Shs76 billion—about a third of the project cost.
In addition to the roadworks, government will also build a ferry landing site at Galiraya (Kawongo) to enhance cross-lake transportation and ease movement of people and goods across Lake Kyoga. The President encouraged residents to complement the improved infrastructure with efforts to build household wealth.
“You don’t sleep on the road; you sleep in your house,” he said. “That’s why wealth creation at the household level is equally important.”
Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, described the groundbreaking as a pivotal moment in Uganda’s infrastructure journey. He said the road would drastically cut travel times, reduce vehicle operating costs, improve access to services, and open up oil and gas exploration zones in the Kyoga Basin.
“Once completed with the ferry connection in place, travel from Lira to Kampala will take less than four hours, down from six or more,” Gen. Katumba said.
He commended the local communities for supporting the project and confirmed that the road corridor would remain within 30 metres, below the standard 50 metres, to minimise displacement. He also promised strict cost control and on-time delivery through direct supervision by the Ministry.
“This road is yours,” he told residents. “Support the contractor. Own the project.”
Minister of State for Planning, Amos Lugoloobi, called the development the fulfilment of a 30-year dream for the people of Kayunga.
“Today, you have turned a long-held dream into a living reality,” Lugoloobi told the President. “The people of Kayunga will remember you for generations to come.”
He said the road would serve as a catalyst for trade, tourism, education, and health access, and pledged to ensure it aligns with Uganda’s national development goals.
The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, hailed the partnership between Uganda and China, calling infrastructure “the backbone of prosperity.”
“In China, we have a saying: ‘To be rich, build a road first.’ We appreciate that Uganda has embraced this principle,” he said.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to Uganda’s development, adding that Chinese firms are not only building roads but also transferring skills to local workers. This year marks the 25th anniversary of formal China–Uganda cooperation, and Ambassador Zhang said the project is a testament to the strength and longevity of that relationship.
