Uganda spearheads ambitious road project to connect Central African Republic and South Sudan
A Tripartite Technical Committee (TTC) was established, comprising technical officials from the ministries responsible for Transport, Infrastructure, Public Works, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and the Solicitor General.
In a move poised to revolutionize regional trade and connectivity, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda convened a landmark Tripartite meeting at Fort Portal State Lodge on Friday 16th May 2025, bringing together delegations from the Central African Republic (CAR) and South Sudan.
The primary focus of the meeting was the ambitious 1,100 km Tripartite Road Project, designed to forge a vital link between Uganda and the Central African Republic, traversing through South Sudan.
The project, a testament to the visionary leadership of the Heads of State of Uganda, South Sudan, and the CAR, aims to dismantle existing barriers and unlock significant potential for regional trade that currently remains untapped.
Delegations from both the CAR and South Sudan expressed their profound gratitude for the initiative, recognizing its critical importance in addressing infrastructural challenges and bolstering security, both of which are crucial for enhanced regional integration.
Discussions centered on the outcomes of the bilateral talks held in March 2025 between President Museveni and President Faustin-Archange Touadera of the CAR regarding the Bangui-Kampala Road Infrastructure Project. The shared ambition is to enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade through strategic infrastructure development.
The meeting solidified the connection points for the project, establishing key routes:
- Uganda to South Sudan: Kampala-Karuma-Nimule-Juba-Kaya-Yeyi-Juba
- South Sudan to Central African Republic: Juba-Mundri-Yambi-Yumbo-Ezo-Bambouti-Obo-Sibuti
To ensure efficient implementation, the project will adopt a phased approach, categorized into short, medium, and long-term objectives.
- Phase I (Short-Term): This initial phase will focus on crucial maintenance and emergency repairs, including gravel road improvements and bridge repairs, to immediately facilitate connectivity between the three nations.
- Phase II (Medium to Long-Term): This phase involves the significant upgrading of infrastructure, including the tarmacking of gravel roads and the rehabilitation of existing paved routes.
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to jointly mobilize funding for the long-term development of the project, envisioned as a vital regional trade corridor. A Tripartite Technical Committee (TTC) was established, comprising technical officials from the ministries responsible for Transport, Infrastructure, Public Works, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and the Solicitor General.
This committee is tasked with conducting a joint inspection of the proposed project routes, finalizing road alignments, overseeing feasibility studies and developing a joint implementation framework
Bilateral Air Service Agreement to Boost Connectivity
In a significant development on the sidelines of the Tripartite meeting, the Ministers responsible for Civil Aviation from Uganda and the CAR finalized a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and a Memorandum of Understanding on the BASA. This agreement aims to enhance aviation connectivity between the two countries and paves the way for Uganda Airlines to commence flights to the Central African Republic.
Ministers directed their technical teams to expedite the necessary procedures, reaffirming their commitment to regional integration, reducing transport costs, facilitating people-to-people movement, and bolstering security collaboration to safeguard the corridor.
Next Steps and Gratitude
The visiting Ministers from the CAR and South Sudan expressed their deep appreciation to President Museveni and the Ugandan government for their hospitality and leadership. The next Tripartite meeting is anticipated following the completion of the inspection by the TTC, with specific dates to be communicated through diplomatic channels.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement and a joint communiqué by the Ministers. President Museveni reiterated his gratitude for their commitment to fostering regional cooperation and dialogue.
Attendees included Honourable Gen. Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport; Honourable Simon Mijok Mijak, South Sudan’s Minister of Roads and Bridges; Honourable Eric Mathieu Rokosse-Kamot, Central Africa’s Minister of Equipment and Public Works; and technical officials from various ministries responsible for transport, infrastructure, and public works.
This ambitious road project and the enhanced air connectivity signify a significant step towards greater regional integration, promising substantial economic benefits and stronger relationships between Uganda, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. The world now watches as this vision transforms into a tangible reality, fostering prosperity and stability across the region.
