How Uganda’s Shs1 Billion Roads Grant Is Transforming Busia District and Boosting Local Economic Growth

BUSIA DISTRICT — Government investment in rural road infrastructure through the annual Roads Grant is steadily transforming transport, trade and agricultural productivity in Busia District, with local engineers linking improved economic activity to the rehabilitation and maintenance of key community roads.

The Assistant Engineering Officer for Busia District, Mr Musa Musanya, said the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, allocated approximately Shs1 billion under the Roads Grant for the 2025/2026 financial year to rehabilitate and maintain roads, improving accessibility across the district’s 20 sub-counties.

Speaking during an interview, Mr Musanya commended President Yoweri Museveni’s government for prioritising road infrastructure, saying the investment has significantly improved the movement of people, agricultural produce and commercial goods.

“The impact of these roads has been enormous. Farmers can now transport their produce more easily, traders are accessing markets without major transport challenges, and travellers are moving more efficiently across the district,” Mr Musanya said.

According to the district engineer, several sub-counties, including Butema, Tiira, Buyanga, Busitema, Busime and Mayanja, have benefited from the government’s road maintenance and rehabilitation programme.

Busia, which borders Kenya, relies heavily on cross-border trade, agriculture, small-scale gold mining and local markets. Improved road connectivity has therefore become a key driver of economic development by reducing transport costs and improving access to essential services.

Mr Musanya explained that the district has implemented road works in four quarterly phases, enabling construction teams to cover different areas within the available funding.

Among the roads rehabilitated are Mukuyendege–Busabi Road, Akoleti Road, Namutere Road, Buhobe Road, Lumino Road, Buhobe–Kidingire Road, Busitema Road, Kira Salama Road, Sawuliyako–Buwembe Road, Bugundikira Road, Busiko–Bwinini Road, Busiwondo Road and Amungula Road.

Most of the roads have been gravelled, reshaped, compacted and murramed to improve durability and ensure they remain usable throughout the year.

“The roads are in good condition and are easing the construction of other public infrastructure such as markets, schools and health facilities because trucks and construction equipment can now access these areas more easily,” Mr Musanya said.

He added that the district has maintained approximately 529 kilometres of road network, with between 150 and 200 kilometres rehabilitated annually depending on funding availability.

Road maintenance activities typically take between two and three weeks for each section, with works carried out quarterly to ensure roads remain motorable throughout the year.

District officials say improved roads have strengthened agricultural marketing by enabling farmers to transport produce faster to trading centres while reducing vehicle maintenance costs for transporters operating in rural communities.

The improvements have also enhanced access to social services, allowing residents to reach schools, health centres and government offices more conveniently.

Mr Musanya noted that Busia District’s engineering department currently operates with five technical staff under the leadership of District Engineer George Mwindu, who oversee road construction and maintenance activities across the district.

Despite the progress, he appealed for increased funding and additional road equipment in the 2026/2027 financial year, saying rising transport demands require greater investment to expand and maintain the district’s road network.

“We appreciate the support the government has continued to provide through the Roads Grant. However, additional funding and more road equipment will enable us to cover a larger network and sustain the gains already achieved,” he said.

As Busia continues to strengthen its position as one of Uganda’s busiest border districts, local leaders believe sustained investment in road infrastructure will remain central to expanding trade, supporting agriculture and promoting inclusive economic growth across the district.

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