𝗝𝗶𝗻𝗷𝗮–𝗕𝘂𝗸𝘂𝗻𝗴𝘂 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲, 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀

Residents and leaders in Busoga are eagerly anticipating the construction of the long-awaited Jinja–Bukungu Road, expecting improved sanitation, easier transport, expanded business opportunities and stronger links to neighbouring regions.

Residents along the route say the tarmacking will eliminate excessive dust, improve access to clean water and electricity, increase property values and reduce vehicle maintenance costs. Mr Medi Ntuuyo, the Jinja City NRM general secretary and a resident of Namizi Central in Budondo Ward, said the poor road conditions have affected residents’ hygiene and people working in the transport business.

He also expects improved connectivity to attract educational institutions, allowing students to study closer to home and save on transport and accommodation costs. Mr Ntuuyo recalled that President Museveni promised to construct the road during his 1996 presidential campaign, saying its completion would fulfil a long-standing community expectation.

Former Jinja City Mayor Peter Okocha Kasolo said the project includes an additional 10 kilometres of road construction within the city, which he expects to expand the road network, boost trade and tourism, create employment and improve revenue collection and urban beautification.

In Kamuli and Buyende districts, leaders say the 67-kilometre Kamuli–Bukungu Road will complement the Bukungu–Kagwara–Kaberamaido (BKK) ferry, recently commissioned by President Museveni at a cost of Shs42 billion. Together, the road and ferry are expected to strengthen transport links between Busoga, Teso and Lango, opening up markets and improving regional trade and productivity.

Buyende District Council chairperson Sharif Mangaraine said residents had waited decades for the road, which had featured in successive election campaigns without implementation. He pledged the district’s cooperation in mobilising project-affected persons and communities to support the construction.

Mr Michael Beedha Kabogoza, a charcoal seller at Nabigaga Opio’s Corner, said the project would address flooding at Nabigaga Swamp, which frequently disrupts travel between Kamuli and Buyende. During floods, travellers are sometimes forced to take a detour through Kasolwe and Iringa, adding 27 kilometres to their journeys.

Trader Sipola Nakisuyi, who deals in silver fish and simsim in Iringa, Buyende District, said the improved road would make transport faster, cheaper and more readily available. She expects better access to markets in Lango, Kamuli, Isimba Dam and Jinja to attract more passengers and stimulate business.

Kamuli district leaders have called for additional benefits beyond the main road, including the rehabilitation of borrow pits after construction, corporate social responsibility projects and 10 kilometres of additional tarmacked roads in Kisozi, Mbulamuti and Balawoli town councils. Chief Administrative Officer Bob Lawrence Marley said local leaders should agree on how the additional road kilometres will be allocated.

Kamuli LC5 chairperson Kaloli Dhizaala said the project could reduce travel costs and time, minimise post-harvest losses, expand trade and increase farmers’ and traders’ incomes. He also called for the project’s bills of quantities, scope of work and other documents to be shared with relevant authorities to facilitate monitoring.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Works and Transport project manager Eng. Titus Aleper explained that rising land acquisition costs had prompted the government to reduce the compensation budget from Shs158 billion to Shs112 billion, in line with the approved loan amount. The adjustment will reduce the road reserve from 50 metres in rural areas and 30 metres in urban sections to 25 metres throughout the project.

Eng. Aleper said a fresh, expedited reassessment would be conducted in sections affected by the revised road reserve, with project-affected persons expected to receive compensation once the loan becomes effective.

When completed, the road is expected to improve mobility, connect communities to markets and services, and strengthen economic activity across Jinja, Kamuli and Buyende, complementing the BKK ferry in linking Busoga to Teso and Lango.