Uganda road projects funding sought

The Ugandan Government has unveiled plans to improve its road connections with its northern neighbour South Sudan. To fund the construction project, the Ugandan Government has been seeking a loan worth US$210 million from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). The terms of the loan arrangements have yet to be revealed however. The aim of the project is to improve the road link running through Rwekunye, Apac, Lira and Acholibur. Better transport links form part of a much wider programme of integration between East African nations with Uganda, as well as Kenya and Tanzania, having taken leading roles in developing the strategy. Tolled highways from Kenya’s port Mombasa and Tanzania’s port Dar Es Salaam will connect through these countries to landlocked nations such as Uganda and Rwanda, as well as South Sudan. The road link upgrade between Uganda and South Sudan is expected to cost $310 million in all, with the Ugandan Government intending to supply the remaining $100 million for the work. The road upgrade project is expected to take five years to complete.