The Minister of State for Works and Transport (Works), Hon. Siraj Ali conducted a three-day inspection of key road infrastructure projects this month across the West Nile sub-region as part of his familiarisation tour of ongoing projects under the Ministry of Works and Transport.
During the tour, the Minister inspected the Nebbi–Arua (76.6km), Alwii–Nebbi (33km), Olwiyo–Pakwach (62.5km), Karuma–Olwiyo (43.5km) and Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo (103.08km) road projects, as well as Pakwach Bridge, the upgrading works in Nebbi and Pakwach towns.
Throughout the inspection, the Minister received updates from engineers and project teams on the implementation status, physical progress, scope of works, achievements, challenges and measures being undertaken to ensure successful delivery of the projects.
NEBBI–ARUA ROAD: Eng. Joseph Mbaziira, the Contract Manager for the Nebbi–Arua, Alwii–Nebbi, Olwiyo–Pakwach and Karuma–Olwiyo road projects, briefed the Minister on the progress of the works. He reported that the contract for the Nebbi–Arua Road has been signed with M/s China Railway 18th Group, with construction expected to commence soon. In the meantime, routine forward maintenance is being undertaken to keep the road motorable.
ALWII–NEBBI ROAD: On the Alwii–Nebbi Road, Eng. Mbaziira reported that the 33km project has reached 98.1% physical progress. Funded by the Government of Uganda and implemented by M/s China Railway 18th Bureau Group Co. Ltd, the project includes reconstruction of the main road and upgrading of 4.3km of roads in Nebbi and Pakwach towns. The remaining auxiliary works including Completion of pavement works on Wamala and Wadriff roads, side drains, edge beam construction, walk way, installation of marker posts, guardrails, solar street lights among others are being completed under the current Defects Liability Period.
OLWIYO–PAKWACH ROAD: At the 62.5km Olwiyo–Pakwach Road, implemented by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC)–China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) Joint Venture, the Minister was informed that works have reached 67% physical progress. Eng. Mbaziira explained that although construction is progressing well, shortages in the global supply of bitumen have slowed the pace of asphalt works, while structural works continue as planned.
KARUMA–OLWIYO ROAD: The Minister also inspected the 43.5km Karuma–Olwiyo Road, which was rehabilitated by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC)–China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) Joint Venture under Government funding. The project was substantially completed in April 2026 and is currently under the Defects Liability Period. The rehabilitation involved a 50mm asphalt concrete overlay, drainage improvements and road safety features, extending the road’s service life by at least 10 years while preserving the existing alignment through Murchison Falls National Park.
PAKWACH BRIDGE: During the visit to Pakwach bridge, the Minister inspected the bridge and assessed the proposed ferry diversion that will maintain the movement of people and goods during its reconstruction. The procurement process for the bridge contractor is ongoing, while the landing sites for the proposed ferry have been completed. The ferry is expected to be delivered in November 2026, providing an alternative crossing to minimise disruption to road users during the bridge reconstruction.
KOBOKO-YUMBE – MOYO ROAD: At the Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo Road Project, Eng. Alex Otim, the Contract Manager, reported that the 103.08km project, being implemented by Zhongmei Engineering Group Ltd with funding from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank, has attained 51.16% physical progress, with approximately 22km already paved in the Yumbe section. He noted that weather conditions and delays in bitumen supply remain key challenges, although works continue steadily.
RWENKUNYE–APAC–LIRA–PURANGA ROAD: The Minister’s inspection also extended to the Rwenkunye–Apac (90.9km) and Apac–Lira–Puranga (100.1km) road projects in Northern Uganda. The projects are funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), with Rwenkunye–Apac being implemented by SAK Construction General Trading and Contracting Company, while the Apac–Lira–Puranga section is being constructed by M/s Gulsan Insaat Sanayi Turizm Nakliyat Ve Ticaret A.S. The Minister received updates indicating that the Rwenkunye–Apac section has reached 68% physical progress, while the Apac–Lira–Puranga section stands at 82% completion.
Hon. Ali commended the engineers, contractors and project teams for the progress registered and encouraged them to sustain the momentum to ensure timely completion of all outstanding works.
The road projects inspected form part of Government’s continued investment in modern transport infrastructure to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and transport costs, enhance road safety, facilitate trade and tourism, and strengthen Uganda’s links with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Once completed, they are expected to contribute significantly to economic growth and regional integration.
