(Kampala) – President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated Uganda’s dedication to a major road construction initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) aimed at fostering trade and strengthening bilateral relations.
During a meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi at State House, Entebbe, on October 30, Museveni emphasized the importance of the road projects that will facilitate connectivity between the two nations. The planned construction includes three key routes: an 80-kilometer stretch from Kasindi to Beni, a 54-kilometer connection from Beni to Butembo, and an 89-kilometer road from Bunagana, through Rutshuru, to Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province in the DRC.
President Tshisekedi, who was on a one-day working visit, expressed his support for Museveni’s commitment. The DRC government stated that the discussions highlighted the challenges faced due to ongoing aggression in the region, impacting their development goals. “This is one of the motivations for our membership in the East African Community, but unfortunately everything stopped because of the aggression we are suffering,” the DRC statement noted.
The leaders engaged in a three hour dialogue that primarily focused on the peace process and regional stability. Tshisekedi remarked on the positive nature of their talks, stating, “I am leaving with the hope that what we have said to each other will come true.” He expressed confidence in Museveni’s wisdom to help realize their shared goals.
Museveni also underscored that the discussions addressed security issues affecting both Uganda and the DRC, as well as broader concerns within the sub-region. This meeting followed a previous gathering in Kinshasa between military officials from both countries to review joint operations against the Allied Democratic Forces, a group causing unrest in the area.
The collaboration on road construction officially began in May 2021, with Uganda contributing around 20% of the project’s funding, while the DRC government would cover the remaining costs through a public-private partnership. The project, valued at approximately $334.3 million, is expected to significantly improve transportation and trade dynamics between the two nations.
Uganda’s Parliament had allocated 220 billion shillings for the construction efforts, with the aim of enhancing transport links and solidifying relationships between Uganda and the DRC. Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala noted that improving these roads could potentially double Uganda’s annual trade earnings with the DRC, which currently stands at about $532 million.
The DRC ranks as Uganda’s second largest trade partner in the region, following Kenya, with Uganda exporting various products, including plastics, clothing, and food items.
