Section
infrastructure
Recent infrastructure coverage and related updates from across Uganda Online.
infrastructure 10 April 2026
Construction on the 6.5km Kitemu-Kisozi-Naggalabi road in Wakiso District has reached 44% completion under a Shs35 billion contract awarded to China Railway Seventh Group. Residents voice concerns over flooding damaging homes and businesses, plus excessive dust affecting health. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/wakiso-roadworks-progressing-amid-flood-concerns-5419202
education 9 April 2026
The handover of a Shs11.2 billion construction project at Kabale Technical Institute has been delayed by two weeks due to the lack of an occupancy permit from Kabale Municipal Council. Officials are rushing to secure the permit and address minor issues before the institute can relocate from its rented premises. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/shs11-2b-project-in-kabale-delayed-as-officials-scramble-for-clearance-5418668
news 8 April 2026
Heavy rains have severely damaged several bridges in Kapchorwa Municipality, leaving residents worried about daily risks to schoolchildren, traders, and motorists. Local leaders confirm plans for phased repairs amid calls for urgent action. Source: https://observer.ug/news/kapchorwa-locals-alarmed-as-key-bridges-near-collapse
Business 6 April 2026
Uganda is issuing its first sovereign Sukuk bond worth €405.5 million (Shs1.75 trillion) to fund 15% of Phase 1 of the Standard Gauge Railway from Malaba to Kampala. This Shariah-compliant instrument diversifies funding amid rising public debt and taps into the global Islamic finance market. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/prosper/uganda-rolls-the-dice-on-first-sukuk-bond-5414422
Politics 3 April 2026
Ugandan lawmakers have instructed the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to introduce axle load controls on city roads to extend their lifespan and reduce frequent repairs. The directive emerged during a Committee on Presidential Affairs meeting reviewing KCCA's 2026/27 Ministerial Policy Statement. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4383/kcca-directed-implement-axle-load-controls-city-roads
Politics 3 April 2026
Uganda's Parliament has suspended new guidelines from the Ministry of Works and Transport that limit district road rehabilitation costs to Shs8-20 million per kilometre, following concerns it would reduce road coverage. MPs emphasized empowering district committees to set priorities and costs based on local needs. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4382/parliament-suspends-new-guidelines-shs1-billion-district-road-fund
Politics 2 April 2026
Nakawa West MP and Kampala lord mayor-elect Eng Ronald Balimwezo has promised to reject poorly constructed roads, citing examples like Spring Road during a parliamentary review of KCCA's 2026/27 budget. He also highlighted land encroachments and called for a comprehensive asset register to protect public property. Source: https://observer.ug/news/balimwezo-vows-to-reject-substandard-road-projects-in-kampala
Politics 1 April 2026
Ugandan lawmakers have instructed the Kampala Capital City Authority to introduce axle load controls on city roads to extend their lifespan and reduce frequent repairs. The directive came during a Committee on Presidential Affairs meeting reviewing KCCA's 2026/27 budget proposals. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4383/kcca-directed-implement-axle-load-controls-city-roads
Politics 1 April 2026
Uganda's Parliament has suspended fresh guidelines from the Ministry of Works and Transport that limit district road rehabilitation costs to Shs8-20 million per kilometer, following objections from MPs who argue they hinder effective road maintenance. The decision ensures districts retain control over road priorities and budgeting. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4382/parliament-suspends-new-guidelines-shs1-billion-district-road-fund
tourism 29 March 2026
Tourism operators in Uganda's Kigezi sub-region are frustrated by impassable roads during rainy seasons, causing revenue losses and diverting visitors to Rwanda. Stakeholders urge the government to tarmac key routes and deploy emergency equipment to support access to attractions like Bwindi National Park. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/bad-roads-frustrate-kigezi-s-tourism-industry-5407218
infrastructure 27 March 2026
A commentary argues that developing an international airport in Kasese would better serve Uganda's economic ties with eastern DRC compared to the proposed Mbarara airport, which risks attracting illicit traffic without clear regional benefits. Enhanced infrastructure like roads to DRC already positions Kasese for substantial trade gains. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/kasese-airport-is-better-than-mbarara-airport--5405852
Sports 27 March 2026
Uganda's Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City has hit 40% completion ahead of its original timeline, with officials now eyeing a finish by December 2026 to support AFCON 2027 preparations. State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang praised the rapid progress and called for private investment in local hotels. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-says-akii-bua-stadium-ahead-of-timeline-5405176
infrastructure 27 March 2026
The Rwenkunye-Apac-Lira-Puranga road project, vital for connecting western and northern Uganda, has suffered over eight months of delays due to administrative hurdles and site issues, forcing taxpayers to cover claims for idle equipment and interest. Officials are introducing reforms to prevent future cost overruns and ensure smoother execution. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/road-project-delay-costs-now-a-taxpayer-burden-5404664
Politics 26 March 2026
Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi refused to commission the Shs 1.2 billion Kanapa Water Facility in Kumi district after discovering essential treatment equipment was not installed. He prioritized public safety, insisting on full completion and testing before any launch. Source: https://observer.ug/news/minister-declines-to-commission-shs-1-2b-kumi-water-project-over-incomplete-works
infrastructure 25 March 2026
Uganda's Parliament has raised alarms over the Busega-Mpigi Expressway contract price surging from Shs547.5 billion to over Shs1.2 trillion, with MPs demanding accountability from the Ministry of Works and Transport. Lawmakers dismissed technical explanations for the escalation and ordered submission of the original contract for investigation. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4309/cost-busega-mpigi-expressway-doubles-little-progress-made
infrastructure 25 March 2026
Ugandan lawmakers have raised alarms over the Busega-Mpigi Expressway's cost doubling to over Shs1.2 trillion with minimal progress, demanding accountability amid ongoing contractor negotiations. The Ministry attributes the escalation to design changes, but MPs suspect deeper irregularities. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/42689/cost-of-busega-mpigi-expressway-doubles-with-little-progress-made
Business 24 March 2026
Uganda's piped water connections jumped nearly 7% to 1.136 million in the 2024/25 financial year, fueled by infrastructure investments, subsidies, and tougher metering enforcement. The gains are detailed in the latest annual regulator's report, highlighting operational improvements despite ongoing challenges. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/markets/infrastructure-growth-drives-up-piped-water-connections-5401912
national 24 March 2026
Uganda's water sector has experienced notable growth in household connections and metering coverage, even as it grapples with operational hurdles. This progress signals improving access to reliable water services nationwide. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-records-rise-in-water-connections-metering-coverage-5402040
infrastructure 24 March 2026
Uganda's Parliament has raised alarms over the Busega-Mpigi Expressway's cost doubling to over Shs1.2 trillion with minimal progress, questioning design changes and contractor claims during a meeting with Works Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala. Lawmakers demanded the original contract for investigation amid ongoing negotiations. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4309/cost-busega-mpigi-expressway-doubles-little-progress-made
infrastructure 23 March 2026
Kenyan President William Ruto hailed the groundbreaking of the 107km Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway section as a pivotal step toward regional connectivity. He emphasized its role in slashing logistics costs, boosting trade, and fulfilling long-standing aspirations for East African unity. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/-sgr-will-bring-life-to-our-aspiration-for-true-regional-integration-says-ruto-5399888
news 22 March 2026
Kenyan President William Ruto has urged Uganda to fast-track its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) section following the launch of Kenya's Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba line. Uganda must secure €2.7 billion in funding, covering 15 percent of costs while development banks handle 65 percent. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/sgr-link-ruto-throws-ball-in-museveni-s-court-5399514
Business 21 March 2026
Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni attended the groundbreaking of the 107km Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway section, a vital link in the Mombasa-Kampala corridor set for completion by 2028. The project aims to slash travel times and freight costs, boosting regional trade and integration. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ruto-museveni-seek-rail-revival-as-kenya-uganda-launch-key-sgr-link-5398390
Business 19 March 2026
Kenyan President William Ruto cautioned that Kenya's role as the primary trade gateway for East African countries could slip away due to inadequate infrastructure, urging swift investments in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extensions. He highlighted rising cargo volumes and delays that threaten competitiveness amid regional alternatives. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kenya-might-lose-its-key-trade-route-says-ruto-5397130
infrastructure 19 March 2026
Wakiso District has kicked off Shs110 billion road projects under the World Bank-funded GKMA-UDP to upgrade key routes and alleviate congestion in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. Officials hailed the initiative as a vital step for better connectivity while urging contractors to fix feeder roads and hire locals. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/wakiso-counts-on-shs110b-road-projects-to-ease-traffic-5397146
Business 19 March 2026
Kenya has relaunched construction on a key Standard Gauge Railway extension stalled for over six years due to funding shortages from China, now financed through revenue securitisation and joint ventures with Chinese firms. The project aims to connect to Uganda, countering past criticisms of it leading nowhere and symbolising debt trap concerns. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/kenya-revives-stalled-china-backed-railway-after-six-year-halt-5396760
energy 19 March 2026
Uganda plans to integrate Kisoro Town into the national electricity grid, replacing decades of imported power from Rwanda. This upgrade promises more stable supply, lower business costs, and a boost to local economic activities. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kisoro-to-be-connected-to-national-grid-after-decades-of-relying-on-rwanda-imported-power-5396682
infrastructure 18 March 2026
Japan has confirmed funding of approximately Shs659 billion for Phase II of the Kampala Flyover project, set to begin construction in January 2027. The initiative will ease traffic congestion and flooding along Jinja Road, linking key junctions and expressways. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/japan-confirms-shs659b-funding-for-kampala-flyover-phase-ii-constriction--5395550