(Bukwo) – The Kapchorwa-Suam road project has reached completion and is now awaiting official commissioning, according to Allen Kagina, the executive director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). This 75 kilometre road is expected to play a vital role in the socio-economic development of eastern Uganda and enhance regional integration with Western Kenya.
Kagina explained that this road project connects Uganda with Kenya at the Suam border post, forming part of a larger initiative that includes the Suam-Kitale and Eldoret bypass roads. This multinational effort aims to foster closer ties among East African Community (EAC) member states by improving access and trade routes. She noted that this transformative infrastructure will also connect Uganda with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.
“This is a transformative project that contributes to socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and regional integration in eastern Uganda and Western Kenya,” Kagina said.
The completion of this flagship project, which cost approximately $105.76 million, has been funded jointly by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Government of Uganda. The construction was carried out by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd (CSCECL) under the supervision of UNRA. The road is anticipated to enhance economic and social connections within East Africa, reduce travel costs, strengthen trade, and improve transport services.
During a visit to various road projects in the eastern region on October 24, 2024, Kagina met with local leaders from Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo districts. She urged these leaders to educate their communities on the importance of maintaining the roads, warning against practices such as drying maize on the roads, which can reduce their lifespan.
Kagina acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the government and relevant ministries in bringing this project to fruition. She stated that a socio-economic impact assessment would be conducted in the future to evaluate the economic growth in the eastern region as a result of the road upgrade.
The project included the construction of a main road built to class II bitumen standard with asphalt concrete surfacing, the upgrading of 20 kilometres of town roads, the building of 11 bridges and 10 footbridges, and the establishment of a One-Stop Border Post at Suam in Bukwo district.
Looking ahead, Kagina mentioned that several additional road projects are planned for the eastern region, including the Bubulo circular road, the Muyembe-Nakapiripirit road, and the Namagumba-Budadiri and Mbale-Nkokonjeru roads.
Local leaders have voiced their concerns and requests regarding the project. Bukwo district Woman Member of Parliament Evelyn Chemutai urged UNRA to consider installing more street lights along the road, particularly in dark areas. She also highlighted the need for improved access roads to public institutions, such as Kwirwot Primary School and Bukwo Health Centre IV, which have been difficult to navigate.
Cheptegei, the chairperson of the Bukwo district local council, reiterated the need for safety measures such as street lighting and a pedestrian bypass at Tulel Secondary School, which has a history of accidents due to sharp corners.
Community members expressed optimism about the economic benefits of the completed road. Julius Kiprop, a local elder, stated, “Now that the road is complete, business is going to be boosted, and the area’s economy will be uplifted once the One-Stop Border Centre is fully operational.”
Annet Chemutai, chairperson of the Suam Women Border Traders Association, added that the new road facilitates access to markets beyond Uganda’s borders, and increased foreign exchange opportunities are evident as traders experience greater demand for their goods.
