Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo Road Project Gains Momentum as West Nile Awaits Safer, Faster Transport

Construction works on the Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo (KYM) Road are gaining momentum as the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), pushes forward with the Shs 494 billion (approximately USD 130 million) upgrade project aimed at improving transport connectivity, trade, and livelihoods in the West Nile sub-region.

The 103-kilometer corridor, funded by the World Bank, is being upgraded from gravel to tarmac, with the scope covering road surfacing, drainage improvement, pedestrian walkways, and installation of street lighting in major urban centers.

Eng. Alex Otim, the Ministry of Works Project Manager, confirmed ongoing activities including asphalt surfacing, earthworks, and progress on the Baringa Bridge, which is a key link along the route.

“We are currently focusing on drainage improvements and safety features in Koboko, Yumbe, and Moyo,” said Eng. Otim.

The project has also integrated social infrastructure components, including the construction of three new markets intended to boost local trade. The identified sites are Kerila in Yumbe, Abuku in Koboko, and Gwere in Moyo, although discussions with district leadership are still ongoing to finalize locations.

Pamela Kusimba, the Communications Specialist at the ministry of work, said the project goes beyond road construction.

“This isn’t just a transport project. It’s about improving the quality of life for both host communities and refugees living along the corridor,” she noted.

The social programs being implemented under the project include financial literacy training, support for vulnerable project-affected persons (PAPs), and psychosocial support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). To date, over 95 percent of the PAPs have received their compensation, totaling approximately Shs76 billion (about USD 20 million).

Additionally, three families in Obongi District, who were directly affected by the project, have already been resettled in newly constructed permanent houses as part of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).

While progress has been commendable, the project still faces challenges, especially regarding land disputes and Right of Way (ROW) acquisition.

Eng. Otim acknowledged that absentee landowners and unresolved disputes have delayed works in certain areas, but emphasized ongoing engagements with local leaders and affected communities to resolve the issues.

Zhou Changwei, the Business Manager at Zhongmei Engineering Group, the project contractor, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering quality work within the agreed timeframe.

“We are working under close supervision from both the government and independent third-party technical auditors to ensure quality and safety standards are met,” Mr. Zhou stated.

Apart from the physical works, the project also includes interventions addressing climate resilience, disaster risk management, and road safety awareness, with the Ministry of Works and Transport developing a Road Accident Database Management System to help track and reduce traffic-related incidents.

Upon completion, the upgraded road is expected to cut travel time, reduce transportation costs, enhance trade with neighboring South Sudan and the DRC, and create job opportunities for local residents, especially in the construction sector.

Residents along the corridor are already noticing gradual improvements in road conditions, with hopes that full project delivery will significantly boost economic activity in the West Nile region.