The initiative to pave roads from the Uganda-DR Congo border to key cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been revived after transport ministers from both nations signed a revised agreement to push the project forward.
Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, and his Congolese counterpart, Alexis Gisaro, met in Kinshasa, DRC, where they formalized the new terms, aiming to resolve the road development setbacks.
A source, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the DRC had committed to meet both its financial and political responsibilities for the project.
“The DRC agreed to release 20% of the required funds for the construction of the Mpondwe border post to Beni road in DR Congo. This is a significant development for the contractor and will greatly benefit trade between the two nations,” the source mentioned.
Background
In 2021, Uganda and DR Congo signed an infrastructure deal to develop 220 kilometers of roads linking the two countries. These roads included the Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni road (80km), Beni-Butembo road (54km), and the Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma road (89km).
However, progress stalled due to various challenges, including security threats posed by M23 rebels, who had captured parts of the Bunagana-Rutshuru area, halting work on the roads.
The Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni road project, in particular, encountered significant difficulties related to taxation, financing, and a lack of political commitment from the Congolese side. The construction work, undertaken by the Ugandan company Dott Services, was repeatedly delayed, but the recent agreement is expected to remove these roadblocks.
New Developments
The DR Congo’s Ministry of Works and Transport issued a statement expressing optimism that the revised agreement would address the previous challenges.
“After a thorough review of the progress and obstacles to the modernization of these roads, Ministers Alexis Gisaro and Gen. Edward Katumba signed a document that aims to further economic integration and improve connectivity between the two nations,” the statement said.
Both governments have vowed to increase political will in the project, particularly concerning the Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni road. The source noted, “The relationship between Uganda and DR Congo has strengthened, and both countries are now eager to move forward.”
Uganda has already fulfilled its financial commitment to the Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni road project, while the DRC’s delayed contribution has been a cause for concern. However, with the current agreements in place, there is hope for a quicker resolution.
Economic and Security Impact
The Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni road has become crucial for DRC’s access to the Mombasa Port, especially after M23 rebels seized several border posts, including Bunagana and Ishasha, disrupting trade routes.
As a result, goods destined for towns in the DRC now have to pass through Rwanda before reaching Goma and other inland areas. The poor relationship between Rwanda and the DRC has made this route less reliable.
Fortunately, security along the Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni road has significantly improved following the deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to eastern DRC to combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), who had seized control of towns along the route.
As a result, vehicle traffic has also increased after Dott Services upgraded parts of the road to motorable standards.
Boost to Uganda’s Economy
The Ugandan government believes that paving these critical roads to DR Congo will boost Uganda’s export trade. The DRC is one of Uganda’s largest trading partners, with Uganda exporting goods worth over UGX 1.2 trillion annually.
Improving road infrastructure is expected to facilitate smoother and more reliable trade between the two countries, further strengthening their economic ties.
As the project progresses, the newly signed agreements give renewed hope for better infrastructure, stronger political cooperation, and enhanced economic integration between Uganda and the DRC.
