President Museveni has officially launched the construction of the Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road, a key infrastructure project expected to boost connectivity and economic activity in Wakiso District.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at Bukasa Catholic Church in Bukasa Village, Busiro County, was attended by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, as well as several government and community leaders.
The 12.7-kilometre dual carriageway is being constructed by Chinese firm CICO at a cost of Shs 56 billion.
According to the project’s resident engineer, Simon Odoki, the works began in May 2025 and are scheduled for completion by November 2026.
Currently, construction progress stands at 4.1%. Once completed, the 18-metre-wide road is projected to rank among the best in the area.
In his address, President Museveni highlighted that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s development approach is rooted in both vertical and horizontal integration, as outlined in the ten point programme.
He noted that the government had prioritized road rehabilitation in Wakiso, upgrading many previously dilapidated routes to tarmac standard.
However, the president cautioned that infrastructure alone is not enough to improve livelihoods, underscoring the importance of boosting household incomes.
“It is good to have a tarmac road, but what is your income at home? That is why we introduced the idea of wealth creation at the household level—because government jobs alone are not enough,” President Museveni said.
He explained that wealth creation at the household level remains central to the government’s development strategy, complemented by industrialization and the expansion of services such as hospitality and transport.
The President also emphasized the importance of value addition through factories, noting that such investments create jobs and strengthen the economy.
As a gesture of support for the local community, President Museveni contributed Shs 300 million towards Bukasa Catholic Church and the local Protestant church.
Former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya, who attended the event, applauded the NRM government for finally undertaking the long-awaited road project, which he said had been ignored by previous administrations.
“This is the kind of development we need to rally behind. We should support President Museveni and the NRM government in the upcoming elections,” Bukenya said.
He also praised the government’s focus on value addition, citing the growing number of factories producing goods locally.
Engineer Odoki expressed gratitude to the residents of Wakiso for cooperating with the project, particularly for willingly providing the right of way without compensation demands. He credited the smooth progress of the project to President Museveni’s visionary leadership.
Upon completion, the Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road is expected to ease movement within Busiro County, improve trade, and spur socio-economic growth across Wakiso District and surrounding areas.
