Legislators call for faster development of strategic roads across Uganda

KAMPALA, July 17, 2026 – Members of Parliament [MPs] have called on the government to expand and accelerate the development of Uganda’s road network, reinforcing the infrastructure agenda outlined by President Yoweri Museveni in his State of the Nation Address delivered in June 2026.

Bugangaizi East MP Onesimus Twinamasiko said several critical oil roads in the Albertine region, previously earmarked for development, remain unfinished.

He singled out the Nalweyo–Kisiita–Mpasana–Nkoko–Masode Road in Kyankwanzi district, which connects to Kakumiro district, saying it will play a vital role in monitoring the progress of the oil pipeline.

“This is a very critical oil road because the oil pipeline crosses this road three times. Feasibility studies and schematic designs were completed in 2017; however, UNRA abandoned the project, yet it is very important for oil exploration,” Twinamasiko said.

Agago County MP Edward Makmot highlighted the Moroto Road, which is included in the Fourth National Development Plan [NDP IV], and urged the government to mobilise funding to fast-track its construction.

“This is a strategic security road that has existed since colonial times. It traverses more than 10 districts in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions. It is also a mineral and tourism road leading to Kidepo, but it has been neglected for years. We have made some progress, but we need to tarmac this road,” Makmot said.

The Bududa District Woman MP Agnes Khainza called on the Ministry of Works and Transport to prioritise the 28-kilometre Bubulo–Bududa Circular Road, noting that although it has frequently been mentioned by President Yoweri Museveni, little progress has been made.

“This road is in the NRM manifesto, and when President Museveni campaigned in Bududa, he pledged to construct it. We still do not have a tarmacked road in the area, yet this road has the potential to connect many communities and markets,” Khainza said.

During his presidential campaign in Bududa in November 2025, President Museveni announced that funding for the road had been secured and this was emphasised by former Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among while addressing NRM supports during the campaigns in the district.

The legislators made the appeals during the plenary sitting on Wednesday while debating a motion seeking Parliament’s resolution to appreciate the President’s State of the Nation Address.

Nakasongola County MP Ivan Kyeyune urged the government to honour the President’s pledge to improve road infrastructure in the district.

“If the President could fulfil his pledge to tarmac the road from Nakasongola through Kalungi and Bamugolodde to Kikyusa, our farmers would be able to transport their produce more easily to markets,” Kyeyune said during the sitting, which was chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth.

Female Older Persons’ Representative Joy Waako commended the government for expanding the country’s road network, saying it has significantly improved access to essential services for older persons.

“For many years, older persons, especially those in rural Uganda, struggled to reach health centres because roads were impassable, with many being carried on bicycles or stretchers over long distances. Today, they can access health facilities more quickly and safely. Ambulances reach villages faster, and medicines are delivered more easily to remote communities,” Waako said.

Tororo Municipality MP Shyam Jay Tanna called for the expedited implementation of Uganda’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), noting that Kenya has made significant progress on the Kisumu–Malaba section, which is expected to extend into Uganda.

“Despite securing €650 million in funding, we are falling behind. Six major towns are expected to host railway workshops, creating employment opportunities, while transportation costs are projected to decline by 40 per cent. This infrastructure will position the region as a major business hub for Central and East Africa,” Tanna said.

He also urged the government to ensure timely compensation for project-affected persons and improve the road network serving communities along the railway corridor.

In his address to the nation on 4 June 2026, President Museveni said the government is working with Kenya and Tanzania on pipelines for crude oil and refined petroleum products, as part of efforts to reduce pressure on the country’s road network.

“This will move heavy cargo from the roads to the railway, and petroleum products from the roads to the pipeline. That will leave the roads mainly for passengers and light cargo. The murram roads must also be maintained at all times,” Museveni said.

https://thecooperator.news/uk-funded-project-to-revamp-over-100-roads-across-kampala/

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