President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road. The 12.7km road, being built by the Chinese company – CICO at a cost of Shs 56 billion, is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The ceremony was held at Bukasa Catholic Church in Bukasa Village, Busiro County, Wakiso District.
According to Eng. Simon Odoki, the resident contractor, the contract period runs from May 2, 2025, to November 2, 2026, and the current progress stands at 4.1%. Once completed, the dual carriageway—measuring 18 metres wide—is projected to become one of the best roads in the area.
Addressing the gathering, Museveni explained that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) development strategy focuses on both vertical and horizontal integration, as outlined in the party’s historic Ten Point Programme. He noted that after coming to power, the government prioritized rehabilitating critical roads in Wakiso District that were previously in poor condition and is now moving to upgrade them to tarmac.
However, the President cautioned against focusing solely on infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of improving household incomes. “It is good to have a tarmac road, but what is your income at home? That is why we introduced the idea of wealth creation at the household level—because government jobs alone are not enough.”
He added that wealth creation would naturally lead to job creation, supplemented by industrial growth and the expansion of service sectors like hospitality and transport.
President Museveni further stressed the role of factories in adding value to Uganda’s products and providing employment opportunities, noting that these efforts work together to strengthen the country’s economy.
As part of his support to the local community, the President contributed Shs 300 million to Bukasa Catholic Church and the local Protestant church.
Former Vice President, H.E. Gilbert Bukenya, who also attended the event, hailed the NRM government for undertaking the road project, which he said had eluded several past leaders. “As a gesture of appreciation, we should support President Museveni and the NRM government in the upcoming elections,” H.E Bukenya urged.
He praised the President’s efforts in promoting value addition, citing the rise in factories producing goods locally.
In his remarks, Eng. Odoki thanked the people of Wakiso for their cooperation, particularly for willingly providing the right of way without demanding compensation. He attributed the project’s progress to President Museveni’s visionary leadership.
The Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road is expected to improve connectivity within Busiro County, facilitate trade, and boost socio-economic development in Wakiso District and beyond.