Museveni Flags Off Construction of Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road

Wakiso District – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, has officially launched the construction of the Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road, reaffirming the government’s commitment to infrastructure development while calling for a renewed focus on wealth creation at the household level.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at Bukasa Catholic Church in Bukasa Village, Bukasa Sub-county, Busiro County, Wakiso District.

The 12.7-kilometre road will be constructed by China Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO) at UGX 56 billion and is expected to be completed in 18 months. The dual carriageway, which will span 18 metres wide, is set to be one of the best roads in the region.

According to Eng. Simon Odoki, the resident project engineer, the contract runs from May 2, 2025, to November 2, 2026, and construction progress currently stands at 4.1%.

In his address, President Museveni emphasised that while infrastructure is vital for national development, it must go hand in hand with boosting household incomes.

“It’s good to have a tarmac road, but what is your income at home?” President Museveni asked. “That is why we introduced the idea of wealth creation at the household level — because government jobs alone are not enough.”

He reiterated that wealth creation is the foundation for job creation, further propelled by industrial growth and expansion of service sectors like tourism, hospitality, and transport.

The President explained that the NRM’s development agenda — guided by its historic Ten Point Programme — promotes both vertical and horizontal integration. He noted that the government initially focused on rehabilitating severely dilapidated roads in Wakiso and is now prioritizing their upgrade to tarmac standards.

President Museveni also underscored the value of factories and agro-industrialisation in adding value to Ugandan products, creating employment, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

As part of his support to the local community, President Museveni donated UGX 300 million—shared between Bukasa Catholic Church and the local Protestant church.

Former Vice President H.E. Gilbert Bukenya, who attended the ceremony, applauded the road project, describing it as a long-awaited development for the area.

“This project has eluded many leaders, but today it’s a reality thanks to the NRM government,” Bukenya said. “As a sign of gratitude, we should rally behind President Museveni and the NRM in the upcoming elections.”

He also commended the President for championing value addition, noting the growing number of factories producing goods locally.

Eng. Odoki thanked the residents of Wakiso for their cooperation, particularly for voluntarily availing land for the road project without demanding compensation — a move he attributed to the trust in President Museveni’s leadership and the project’s anticipated benefits.

The Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road is expected to significantly enhance connectivity in Busiro County, ease transport, stimulate trade, and accelerate socio-economic transformation in Wakiso District and surrounding areas.