The Ministry of Works and Transport has convened a one-day stakeholder engagement meeting with Jinja City leadership to provide an update on the progress of the Jinja–Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu Road project, a strategic infrastructure initiative earmarked for upgrading from gravel to bitumen standard.
The project covers 127 kilometres of highway and an additional 10 kilometres of town roads and is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Jinja City and surrounding districts once completed.
The engagement brought together key city and district leaders, including Jinja Resident City Commissioner Richard Gulume, city clerks, technical officers and representatives from the wider Jinja District leadership.
Officials from the Ministry briefed the city leadership on milestones already achieved, including the signing of the civil works contract, ongoing preparatory activities and the current status of valuation and compensation for project-affected persons.
According to the Ministry, a proposal to borrow funds from Citi Bank to finance the construction of the road was tabled before Parliament on October 20, 2025, and subsequently approved.
Following this approval, the commencement of civil works is expected once financing terms are finalised by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
“The money for the construction of the Jinja–Mbulamuti road was approved, and the valuation and eventual compensation of the project-affected persons is in the pipeline.
The civil works are expected to begin soon,” said Allan Ssempebwa, the Senior Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Government first pledged to construct the 127-kilometre road in 2001, and it remains one of the infrastructure projects highlighted in the National Resistance Movement manifesto. However, construction delays have persisted over the years.
Officials attributed part of the delay to the transition of road management responsibilities from the Uganda National Roads Authority to the Ministry of Works and Transport, a shift that created uncertainty over the project’s implementation.
City leaders welcomed the update and expressed optimism that the latest developments would finally pave the way for construction, bringing long-awaited relief to communities that depend on the road for trade, transport and access to social services.