The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an additional €217mn to complete the Busega–Mpigi and Kagitumba–Kayonza–Rusumo roads project in Uganda
In a statement, it noted that the project would reinforce Uganda’s and Rwanda’s shared vision of stronger regional connectivity and trade.
The additional resources will finance the construction of new interchanges, bridges, toll plazas, and service lanes, including the Busega Interchange linking the expressway to the Northern Bypass.
These improvements will address chronic traffic congestion between Busega and Mpigi, a key bottleneck along the Northern Corridor connecting Kampala to Kigali.
Funding will also cover land compensation, project management, and capacity enhancement for Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure smooth execution following recent institutional restructuring, the bank added.
Once completed, the 27.3-km expressway is expected to cut travel time from over two hours to under 45 minutes, improving access to markets and social services for more than one million residents and traders in Busega, Mpigi and the surrounding communities.
“This project is more than a road; it is a lifeline for communities and a gateway for trade,” said George Makajuma, the bank’s principal transport engineer and project task manager.
“The additional financing ensures that the Busega–Mpigi Expressway delivers safer, faster, and more inclusive transport for millions, unlocking the region’s economic potential.”
The total cost of the upgraded Uganda section now stands at €424.61mn — more than double the cost from the original €176.26 million, reflecting a scaled-up project scope, according to the AfDB.
The government of Uganda is also contributing €30.98mn to the scheme.
Additional components to be financed also include seven new bridges and 54km of lined drainage channels.
Construction under the additional financing is scheduled to resume in early January 2026 and conclude by December 2029, with full project completion expected in 2030.
According to the AfDB, the project is expected to generate over 1,200 jobs – 800 during construction work and 400 in operations.
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Smoothing road connections in Uganda (Image source: AfDB)
