Strengthening Uganda’s Strategic Road Network
Uganda is preparing for a decisive leap forward in its national road infrastructure as the African Development Bank and the Government of Uganda advance two high value transport projects designed to support economic growth, reduce congestion and anchor the country’s role as a regional gateway. A new Expression of Interest seeks consultancy firms capable of delivering rigorous construction supervision, design review and capacity building, with Uganda positioned as the central beneficiary of the multinational programme.
While the wider initiative includes cooperation with Rwanda and Tanzania, the primary focus and largest transformational impact sit squarely within Uganda, where metropolitan mobility challenges, rising traffic volumes and expanding urban settlements require modern infrastructure solutions. By prioritising the Busega Mpigi Expressway and playing a leading role in the wider multinational corridor, the Government of Uganda is reinforcing its long term vision for integrated, accessible and economically productive transport systems.
Strengthening Kampala’s Mobility Through the Busega Mpigi Expressway
The Busega Mpigi Expressway forms the backbone of Uganda’s current urban road investment strategy. Spanning 26.7 kilometres from the western gateway of Kampala towards Mpigi, the four lane dual carriageway is engineered to remove one of the region’s most critical bottlenecks. Congestion along the existing route has long constrained economic activity, slowed freight traffic and complicated daily commutes for tens of thousands of residents.
As part of the Greater Kampala Light Rail and Metropolitan Area Infrastructure Development Programme, the expressway integrates with the upgraded Busega Grade Separated Junction, ensuring seamless movement between the capital’s arterial routes and its expanding peri urban districts. The African Development Fund, supported by the European Investment Bank, is financing this strategically important corridor that promises shorter travel times, improved safety and a more efficient logistics chain.
Government officials continue to stress the long term importance of the project. One official stated: “This expressway is a cornerstone for reducing pressure on Kampala’s inner roads and for unlocking broader economic opportunity across the metropolitan area”.
Uganda’s Role in the Multinational Kagitumba Kayonza Rusomo Transport Corridor
Although the Kagitumba Kayonza Rusomo corridor physically traverses Rwanda and extends toward the Tanzanian border, Uganda’s participation and leadership within the financing and coordination framework underline its regional influence. The Northern Corridor Integration Projects, of which this upgraded route forms a key component, directly affect Uganda’s access to international markets, the flow of goods into domestic supply chains and the competitiveness of its export industries.
Ugandan traders rely heavily on cross border corridors for timely access to agricultural inputs, manufactured goods and port facilities. The improved road, with its widened lanes, new pavements and upgraded safety systems, supports smoother freight movement that ultimately strengthens Uganda’s economic resilience. The African Development Fund and potential co financing from the East African Community provide a foundation for coordinated infrastructure planning where Uganda plays an essential role.
As one East African trade specialist commented: “Uganda benefits significantly from every improvement along these regional corridors, as lower transport costs and more predictable travel times stimulate both domestic distribution and international competitiveness”.
Prioritising Uganda’s Regional Connectivity and Economic Ambitions
Uganda’s central geographic location makes it a natural hub for East African commerce. The country’s long term transport vision emphasises efficient corridors linking major production areas to regional markets and port gateways. The AfDB supported projects align closely with this vision, enhancing both metropolitan and strategic long distance connectivity that underpins manufacturing growth, agricultural development and tourism.
Studies conducted across similar AfDB funded initiatives demonstrate strong links between high grade road infrastructure and reductions in freight costs, improved market access for rural producers and enhanced investor confidence. For Uganda, modern corridors support not only domestic mobility but economic diplomacy, strengthening its strategic role within the East African Community.
Raising Construction Oversight Standards Across Uganda’s Road Projects
The AfDB’s Expression of Interest outlines stringent expectations for consulting firms engaged in the Busega Mpigi supervision contract. The consultant will be responsible for detailed design review, strict compliance with FIDIC contract conditions, construction oversight, material quality verification and environmental and social safeguards management.
Given Uganda’s increasing emphasis on durable and climate resilient infrastructure, the consultant’s role is vital. Oversight teams must ensure high construction standards, enforce contract performance, monitor safety on site and produce accurate technical documentation for both the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda National Roads Authority.
Uganda’s regulatory framework continues to evolve, with AfDB and government partnerships strengthening procurement governance, transparency and cost control. The quality of supervision on this expressway will likely serve as a benchmark for future highway developments across the country.
Investing in Ugandan Institutional Capacity and Engineering Skills
A significant portion of the consultancy assignment focuses on capacity building within the Uganda National Roads Authority. Strengthening institutional knowledge is essential for long term infrastructure sustainability, particularly as Uganda prepares for higher volumes of complex expressway, bridge and corridor developments.
Training components include contract administration, environmental monitoring, materials testing methodologies and approaches to long term maintenance planning. AfDB’s portfolio reviews across Africa repeatedly highlight that strong national engineering institutions are a decisive factor in infrastructure longevity and cost effectiveness.
One recent AfDB evaluation noted: “Investing in national capacity ensures that the benefits of major road investments persist well beyond project completion”. Uganda’s inclusion of structured capacity building reflects a commitment to developing a technically confident and future ready public sector workforce.
Submission Requirements and Key Timelines
The Government of Uganda has confirmed that AfDB financing will support the Busega Mpigi Expressway supervision contract. Firms are required to submit Expressions of Interest in English, in one original and two copies, to the designated address by 11:00 a.m. on 6 January 2026.
Eligible firms must provide evidence of experience on large expressway or international corridor projects, demonstrate financial stability and outline the qualifications of proposed key personnel. Compliance with AfDB procurement regulations remains mandatory.
Supporting Uganda’s Path to Sustainable Infrastructure Growth
By focusing project finance investment on both metropolitan mobility and regional corridor integration, Uganda is reinforcing its position as a dynamic player in East Africa’s economic development. The Busega Mpigi Expressway is set to deliver significant congestion relief and improved safety, while participation in the multinational corridor strengthens trade efficiency and external market access.
These initiatives highlight Uganda’s commitment to building modern, resilient and well regulated transport systems. As procurement moves forward, the country stands to benefit from enhanced logistics performance, stronger supply chains and a more competitive national economy.
