Uganda to build ambitious road to Ethiopia

 ;Uganda is seeking to build an ambitious road to Ethiopia to improve economic, social and political relations between the two countries. ;

The road project is consistent with NRM’s agenda of integration, Pan-Africanism and the African Union Agenda 2063 of transformation of Africa. ;

President Yoweri Museveni while delivering the State of the Nation address 2022 at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds said that Uganda was pursuing the road project to Ethiopia which can enable the country export its surplus products. 

Uganda and Ethiopia enjoy strong and friendly bilateral relations.

In August 2021 Museveni held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed in Kampala. ;

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on bilateral, regional and internal issues of common interest. ;

The ministry of foreign affairs has negotiated for the export of Ugandan sugar to Ethiopia. ;

Uganda's exports to Ethiopia have been on the increase from $10.87m (sh40.8b) in the financial year 2017 /18, $12.47m (sh46.8b) in the financial year 2018/19, $16m (sh60b) in the financial year 2O19/2O) and $23.66m (sh88.9b) in the financial year 2O2O/21. ;

However, Uganda has had a surplus production of sugar but she has not been exporting sugar to Ethiopia. ;

Uganda also has a surplus of commodities such as maize, eggs, chicken, milk which could be exported to Ethiopia. ;

According to the ministry of foreign affairs, they are pursuing economic and commercial diplomacy with regional countries to ensure diplomacy addresses the needs of people and for the mutual benefit of citizens. ;

The ministry stated that sustainable peace is linked to inclusive participation and prosperity through trade and investment between countries ;

Uganda has engaged in a joint road building project with the DRC. This project is aimed at improving security, economic, social and political relations between the two countries. ;

This follows a bilateral agreement between Uganda and the DRC to implement strategic infrastructure projects. ;

Uganda’s contribution constitutes 20 per cent or $66.9m (sh251b), the total cost of the project estimated at $334.5m (sh1.3 trillion). ;

The President says that the terrible roads in DRC are hindering business between the two countries, adding that when the roads are constructed, Uganda will be able to sell its electricity to DRC ;

Uganda also plans to construct roads in South Sudan and Ethiopia according to the minister of Works General Katumba Wamala. ;

Katumba said that “we would love to link with all the other countries who would love to link with us”. ;

The minister restated their intention to involve Uganda involving in more road projects outside of the country so as to ensure trade and development and bilateral cooperation, among others. ;

He said that a project they are currently looking at which is yet to mature is the participation of Uganda in the road that will link Uganda through South Sudan to Ethiopia. ;

Katumba said the arrangement is being promoted at the regional effort for the states that link to each other.

;In 2013 studies were approved to be undertaken by the regional countries for a transport corridor road project linking Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia. ;

The Upgrading Studies Project launched in 2013 were expected to contribute to the development of the Kampala-Juba-Addis Ababa-Djibouti Transport Corridor which aims to enhance regional connectivity, reduce transport costs, improve access to local, regional and international markets and boost regional trade, promote tourism, foster regional cooperation and integration, and improve socioeconomic opportunities for the people living in the Horn of Africa. ;

The project components included; a feasibility study, environment and social impact assessment and detailed engineering design of the missing link Kapoeta-Raad road (270 km) in South Sudan, Trade and Transport Facilitation Study which involves; soft infrastructure issues, One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) feasibility study, architectural and detailed engineering designs, and preparation of tender documents. ;

Others were Project Management which includes; Technical Assistance for Project Coordination to IGAD and Transport Engineering to the Ministry of Transport, Roads and Bridges, in South Sudan. ;

The main beneficiaries of the project are cross-border traders and communities of the four countries in the zone of influence and the region at large. ;

The African Union’s New Partnership for African Department (NEPAD) which is pursuing the funding of the corridor project said the Corridor project provides better socio-economic opportunities and thus contributes to poverty reduction as well as promotes good governance, peace and security. ;

The implementing agency of the project is the Inter- Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). ;