The upgrading of the Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo Road has reached 56.38 per cent completion, with residents and business operators already reporting improvements in transport, trade and access to economic opportunities across Uganda’s West Nile sub-region.
The 103.08-kilometre road project involves upgrading the existing gravel road to bituminous standard. Once completed, it is expected to improve connectivity among Koboko, Yumbe and Moyo districts, ease the movement of people and goods, and improve access to markets and essential services.
According to the September 2026 project status report, asphalt concrete has been laid on 21.61 kilometres, while all 12 box culverts have been completed. Road base and sub-base preparation, as well as construction of side drains, are ongoing along various sections.
Ongoing Works along the Yumbe – Moyo road section
For local business operators, the ongoing works are already making a difference. Dudu Ismail, a businessman at Kerila Trading Centre in Yumbe District, said the improved road has reduced travel time and transport costs, making it easier to move goods between Koboko, Yumbe and Moyo.
“Since the road works started, our businesses have improved because we can transport our goods more easily. Travel time has reduced significantly, and this helps us save on transport costs, especially during the rainy season,” Ismail said.
He expressed optimism that completing the road would further improve business operations and create more opportunities for traders in the area.
The benefits are also being felt among residents of refugee-hosting communities. Helen Atai, a refugee living in Zone 5, Ayivu Village 14, said the improved road had made movement easier and contributed to changes in her livelihood.
“The road is now better, and movement has become easier. I am also seeing a change in my life because I am able to earn some money and support my family,” Atai said.
The project is funded by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA) and implemented by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT). Zhongmei Engineering Group Ltd is the contractor undertaking the road construction works, under the supervision of the project’s supervising consultant. Works commenced on 2 July 2024 and are scheduled for completion on 1 July 2027.
Beyond the main road, the project provides for additional infrastructure intended to improve mobility and support economic activity, including access roads serving Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement and markets in the beneficiary districts. Five kilometres of town roads in each of the three towns are also envisaged, although these are to be financed under a separate project.
MoWT Contract Manager Eng. Alex Otim said the road design incorporates safety and accessibility considerations for persons with disabilities, older persons and other road users. Planned urban features include walkways, parking lanes, street lighting and adjoining access roads.
He emphasised that the road is designed as a regional transport corridor serving communities along the route, rather than as an expressway.
Despite the progress, implementation remains below the revised target of 65 per cent. The September 2026 report identifies limited bitumen supplies, partly linked to conflict in the Middle East, as one of the challenges affecting asphalt paving.
To address the delays, the contractor submitted a revised work programme that was accepted by the supervising engineer to guide efforts to accelerate construction and recover lost time.
World Bank Task Team Leader, Ivan Mwondha said the wider refugee-support project had passed the halfway mark, with approximately 75 per cent of the grant disbursed. He noted, however, that implementation progress needed to accelerate to keep the project on track.
The project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure and support refugee-hosting communities, where improved transport links can facilitate trade, connect people to essential services and create opportunities for local businesses.
Social and environmental safeguards have also been incorporated into implementation, including measures addressing gender-based violence and occupational health and safety. Related training activities are underway, while livelihood support has been extended to vulnerable community members, including through the provision of wheelchairs and walking sticks. As construction continues, the Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo Road is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, improve market access and support economic opportunities for communities across the three districts.