Museveni flags off the construction
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Construction of the 12.7km Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road is under way and will be completed within 18 months.
Its construction was launched by President Yoweri Museveni, at a ceremony held at Bukasa Catholic Church in Bukasa Village, Bukasa Sub-county, Busiro County, Wakiso District yesterday.
The road, which is being built by the Chinese company – CICO at a cost of Shs 56 billion, is expected to be completed in one and a half years.
Eng. Simon Odoki, the resident contractor, said the contract period runs from May 2, 2025, to November 2, 2026, and the current progress stands at 4.1%.
“Once completed, the dual carriageway—measuring 18 metres wide—is projected to become one of the best roads in the area,” he told Habari Daily.
Addressing the gathering, President Museveni explained that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) development strategy focuses on both vertical and horizontal integration, as outlined in the party’s historic Ten Point Programme.
He noted that after coming to power, the government prioritized rehabilitating critical roads in Wakiso District that were previously in poor condition and is now moving to upgrade them to tarmac.
However, the President cautioned against focusing solely on infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of improving household incomes.
“It is good to have a tarmac road, but what is your income at home? That is why we introduced the idea of wealth creation at the household level—because government jobs alone are not enough.”
He added that wealth creation would naturally lead to job creation, supplemented by industrial growth and the expansion of service sectors like hospitality and transport.
President Museveni further stressed the role of factories in adding value to Uganda’s products and providing employment opportunities, noting that these efforts work together to strengthen the country’s economy.
As part of his support to the local community, the President contributed Shs 300 million to Bukasa Catholic Church and the local Protestant church.
Former Vice President, Gilbert Bukenya, who also attended the event, hailed the Government for undertaking the road project, which he said had eluded several past leaders.
Eng. Odoki thanked the people of Wakiso for their cooperation, particularly for willingly providing the right of way without demanding compensation.
The Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road is expected to improve connectivity within Busiro County, facilitate trade, and boost socio-economic development in Wakiso District and beyond.
