Uganda’s Minister of State for Works and Transport, Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru who represents Amuria District in Parliament has conducted an inspection tour of the ongoing road construction along the Konakamdin to Soroti section part of the East African regional transport corridor.
The minister’s visit came at a time when works on the project are already halfway.
The Konakamdin to soroti road, which forms a vital link in the broader Mombasa, Uganda, South Sudan, Congo trade route, is being upgraded under World Bank funding and contracted to MOTA-ENGIL, an Italian firm with a strong track record in road works.
Speaking during the inspection, Ecweru underscored the strategic importance of the road, describing it as a lifeline for both Uganda and its neighbors.
“This is more than just a road for our local communities. It is a highway for East African trade mainly oils. From Mombasa in Kenya, through Uganda and onward to South Sudan and Congo, this road will drive commerce and integration,” he said.
The road is also expected to ease domestic connectivity, linking Konakamdin to Lira, Soroti and Tororo, thus boosting trade, transport services and local business opportunities in northern and eastern Uganda.
Initially, government had planned to start with the Tororo to Soroti section before turning to Soroti to Konakamdin.
However, the sequence was reversed after residents of Lira threatened to stage demonstrations over the poor state of their road.
“The people of Lira raised genuine concerns. Their road had deteriorated badly and they demanded urgent action. The ministry listened and decided to start with the Lira to Soroti section as the first phase,” Ecweru explained.
According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the total project covers 340.8 kilometers: 189.4 kilometers from Konakamdin to Soroti and 150.8 kilometers from Soroti to Tororo.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to officially launch the Konakamdin to Soroti phase in October.
Minister Ecweru noted that he personally drove along the Konakamdin–Soroti section to gauge the quality of work being done.
He expressed confidence in MOTA-ENGIL, citing their history of successful road projects in Uganda.
“We awarded this contract to MOTA-ENGIL because of their proven ability to deliver durable roads. From what I have seen on the ground, they are progressing well, and we are optimistic about the outcome,” he said.
While lauding the progress, the minister cautioned communities living along the road to observe safety and social guidelines.
He stressed that World Bank, funded projects come with strict regulations and any violations could jeopardize the funding.
“Parents must ensure that children do not cross or play near the construction zones. Heavy machinery is being used and accidents could lead to suspension of the works,” Ecweru warned.
He also urged households not to interfere with contractors or create conflicts that could disrupt progress.
“World Bank monitors community impact very closely. If they perceive that road works are causing social problems like family disputes, they may halt the project. Let us cooperate and protect this investment,” he added.
Allan Ssempebwa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Works and Transport, confirmed the scale of the project and highlighted its national importance.
“The full length to be worked on is 340.8 kilometers. We are prioritizing the 189.4 kilometers between Konakamdin and Soroti, followed by the 150.8 kilometers from Soroti to Tororo. Once completed, this road will be a major artery for trade and transport within Uganda and beyond,” he explained.
Communities along the route have welcomed the progress, noting that poor roads have long hindered trade, transport and access to services.
Farmers, traders, and transport operators say the upgraded road will ease the movement of produce, lower transport costs, and improve market access.
“This road is hope for us. During rainy seasons, it was almost impassable. Now we are seeing real change, and we believe business will grow when it is completed,” said a resident of Soroti.
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