Uganda secures Shs 481bln financing deal for strategic Kitgum–Kidepo Road
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama, Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister Sanjay Tanna, Tourism Minister Tom Butime, British High Commissioner to Uganda Lisa Chesney, and other government officials
KAMPALA, June 30, 2026 — Uganda has secured €110.5 million [approximately Shs481 billion] in financing for the construction of the Kitgum–Kidepo Road, in a move aimed at improving regional connectivity and unlocking economic opportunities across Northern Uganda and the Karamoja sub-region.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi and the Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, Sanjay Rughani, signed the financing agreement on Tuesday for the road project.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kampala, Musasizi said the financing package reflects a shared commitment to expanding infrastructure and supporting economic transformation in underserved regions of the country.
The 115.8-kilometre Kitgum–Kidepo Road is expected to improve connectivity, lower transport costs and strengthen regional trade while supporting implementation of the government’s ATMS strategy.
The ATMS strategy is Uganda’s flagship macroeconomic and wealth-creation framework aimed at expanding the economy from approximately US$ 50 billion to US$500 billion by 2040. The strategy prioritises four sectors: Agro-industrialisation, Tourism Development, Mineral-based Industrialisation, and Science, Technology and Innovation.
Musasizi said the road project would also support major investments in the region, including the Yaobai Cement and Clinker Factory, a project valued at more than US$300 million in Moroto.
He added that the road would improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park and complement the ongoing development of the US$72 million Kidepo International Airport.
According to the minister, the infrastructure investment is expected to strengthen tourism, trade and investment across Karamoja and Northern Uganda.
“Today’s signing is not simply about financing a road. It is about investing in Uganda’s future. It is about connecting farmers to markets, industries to raw materials, tourists to destinations and businesses to opportunity. Together with our partners, we are laying another foundation for a more productive, competitive and prosperous Uganda,” Musasizi said.
Rughani said the agreement reflects Standard Chartered Bank Uganda’s continued commitment to supporting government priorities that deliver both economic and developmental impact.
“The Kitgum–Kidepo Road is a strategic investment that reinforces our long-term role as a trusted Corporate and Investment Bank,” he said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama, Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister Sanjay Tanna, Tourism Minister Tom Butime, British High Commissioner to Uganda Lisa Chesney, and other government officials.
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