Ahead of the Independence Day celebrations scheduled for October 9, Gen. Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, has stated that Uganda has made significant strides in infrastructure development.
Speaking to Bbeg Media, Katumba outlined significant growth in the transport sector and emphasized the importance of peace for continued progress.
He said Uganda’s road network had expanded rapidly since independence in 1962.
“At the time of independence, we had only 125 kilometers of paved roads. By 1986, this had grown to 875 kilometers, and today, we boast 6,350 kilometers,” he said.
“You can now drive on tarmac from Kampala to the Kenyan border or the DR Congo border.”
Despite this progress, the minister acknowledged that not all roads can be constructed simultaneously due to resource constraints.
“We prioritize roads leading to borders because they facilitate the transport of goods,” he explained. He said that the key roads leading to Uganda’s borders must be well-maintained year-round. Katumba said some murram roads, such as Villa Maria-Kalungu and Mityana-Ssekanyonyi, have been kept in good condition.
He said major repairs are underway on roads like Mityana-Mubende, Ssemuto-Kapeeka, and Busunju-Koboga-Hoima, with plans to tarmac others, including Kayunga-Gaaliraaya.
Regarding the railway sector, Katumba said there have been some improvements.
“The railway line from Kampala to Malaba has been repaired,” Gen Katumba stated. He added that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project is on track, with construction set to begin next year.
Water transport, he said, has seen improvements as well, with two ships operating efficiently and internal ferries enhancing the movement of people and goods.
In air transport, Katumba said Uganda Airlines continues to play a vital role despite operational challenges.
“The airline may not yet be profitable, but it has boosted tourism, flower exports, and other goods,” he said.
He also highlighted the recent refurbishment and expansion of Entebbe International Airport as a milestone in improving air connectivity.
Gen Katumba said peace and stability were the foundation for economic growth. “Let us maintain peace for future generations,” he urged. “This peace attracts foreign investors who create jobs.”
He pointed to thriving industrial hubs like Namanve, Mbale, and Kapeeka, where factories employ thousands of young Ugandans, as evidence of transformation driven by stability.
Katumba also touched on agriculture, noting the rise in coffee production. “Our coffee is of superior quality. We just need to add value to it,” he said, signaling potential for further economic gains through value addition.
However, Gen Katumba acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly youth unemployment.
“We still face issues like unemployment among young people, but peace is the first step to addressing these,” he emphasized.
