Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo: Here is the Works and Transport success so far

To begin with, we should all note that unlike in the past when we used to tarmac roads based on their internal rate of return (IRR), literally meaning that a particular road is tarmacked based of the rate of growth it is expected to generate, we are undertaking these infrastructural development countrywide on the principle of connecting the country without discrimination.

I am certain that if it was not for this method, we could have found some parts of the country without any single tarmacked road. And it’s due to this connectivity that you see areas perceived to be economically barren in the past like Karamoja are now economically fertile. Indeed, people from all walks of life now flock to Karamoja sub-region to trade in minerals, which have played a pivotal role in supporting some of the manufacturing industries.

For example, industries such as Tororo Cement and Kampala Cement highly depend on raw materials transported from Karamoja. We are convinced that a good road network has a direct positive impact on the economic activities of the people.

In addition to those whose quality of life has changed as a result of compensations being awarded to project-affected persons, there are others who are directly employed during the roads’ construction period through the supply of essential services to workers, etc.

Additionally, a good road network plays a role in determining the industrial locations, distribution of housing/labour markets, and determines land prices which makes it more relevant to connect every corner of Uganda.

I implore Ugandans to always tap into the immense opportunities which come with an interconnected road network so as to maintain their good economic stands instead of leaving the benefits of the good road network to be solely enjoyed by those who transit goods and services through Uganda.

Below, are some of the highlighted road infrastructural projects and their status

The author is the minister of state for Works.