South Sudan, Uganda, and CAR to construct 1,800Km road

JUBA – The government of South Sudan has announced a landmark agreement with Uganda and the Central African Republic (CAR) to construct a 1,800-kilometre road network linking Kampala, Uganda, to Bangui, CAR, via South Sudan.

This ambitious infrastructure project aims to bolster regional trade, enhance connectivity, and foster economic development across the three nations. The countries will jointly mobilise funding to support this long-term initiative expected to transform the regional trade corridor.

South Sudan’s Minister of Roads and Bridges, Simon Mijok Mijak, outlined the project’s scope, detailing two primary routes to facilitate seamless connectivity.

The first route will connect Kampala to Juba via Karuma, Arua, Oraba, Kaya, Yei, and Juba, or alternatively, through Karuma, Nimule, and Juba.

The second route will extend from Juba to Bangui, passing through Mundri, Maridi, Yambio, Yubo, Ezo, Bambouti, Obo, and Sibuti. An additional segment will link Ezo, Source Yubu, and Bambouti, further strengthening connectivity between South Sudan and CAR.

“This project is a game-changer for regional integration,” Minister Mijak said. “The Central African Republic seeks to connect with Uganda through South Sudan, and we have proposed two major routes to achieve this: one via Nimule, Juba, Mundri, Maridi, Yambio, and Tambura, and another through Kaya, Morobo, Yei, Lainya, and Juba. These highways will serve as vital arteries for trade and economic cooperation.”

The construction of these highways is expected to create significant employment opportunities, particularly for youth in the region. The project will prioritise labour-intensive methods to maximise job creation, alongside investments in related sectors such as infrastructure and natural resources, including the fisheries industry.

“Our focus is on empowering communities through job creation and sustainable development,” Mijak emphasised. “This initiative will not only improve transportation but also stimulate local economies by creating opportunities in construction, logistics, and ancillary industries.”

The 1,800-kilometre road network is part of a broader vision to strengthen economic ties among East and Central African nations. By improving access to markets, the corridor is expected to boost trade in agricultural goods, manufactured products, and natural resources, while reducing transportation costs and travel times.

The project also aligns with regional integration efforts under frameworks like the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which prioritise infrastructure development to drive economic growth.

To ensure the project’s success, the three nations will collaborate on securing funding from a mix of government budgets, international development partners, and private-sector investments.