Skip to main content

Japan investing in Ugandan roads

Japanese investment is helping develop Ugandan infrastructure. Construction of the New Nile Bridge is being part-financed by the Japanese Government. Some US$90 million for the dual-lane bridge is being provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The bridge forms part of the important Northern Transport Corridor of East Africa, which runs from the Port of Mombasa in Kenya through Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi to the Democratic Republic of Congo. This route is vital for Uganda’s economy, as
January 31, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
Japanese funding will help pay for the New Nile Bridge project in Uganda – artist’s impression courtesy of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA)
Japanese investment is helping develop Ugandan infrastructure. Construction of the New Nile Bridge is being part-financed by the Japanese Government. Some US$90 million for the dual-lane bridge is being provided through the 3349 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The bridge forms part of the important Northern Transport Corridor of East Africa, which runs from the Port of Mombasa in Kenya through Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi to the Democratic Republic of Congo. This route is vital for Uganda’s economy, as well as for Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Due for completion in 2018, the cable-stayed bridge will be the first of its kind in East Africa. It will measure 525m long by 80m high. The bridge will complement the ageing Nalubaale Bridge, built in 1954. Following a 2005 2332 World Bank report recommending that a cable stay bridge should be constructed on the alignment running between the existing highway at the Nalubaale Dam and the railway bridge, and consequent feasibility studies conducted by JICA, Japan pledged to finance the project.

In addition to the bridge project, JICA is currently funding other key infrastructure projects in Uganda, to support the 1073 Ugandan Government’s priority of infrastructure development, as part of its development strategy: Uganda Vision 2040. JICA is currently working on a project to upgrade the road connecting Atiak in northern Uganda and Nimule at the border with South Sudan, as well as a feasibility study to ease traffic congestion in the centre of Kampala City, through the construction of two flyovers at Kitgum Junction and the Clock Tower Junction.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Progress delayed on Kenya's vital highway link
    February 16, 2012
    Kenya is investing in road developments , reports Shem Oirere. A multi-million dollar highway expansion project in Kenya's capital Nairobi may now be delayed for close to a year because of a huge underground network of water, electricity and communication pipes and cables that has slowed down construction works.
  • Uganda expressway development project proposed
    March 1, 2023
    A Ugandan expressway development project is being proposed.
  • New Kenya-South Sudan road link being built
    April 30, 2015
    Work on a new link connecting Kenya with South Sudan will commence in 2016. The US$956 million road project will run from Lesseru in Kenya to Nakodok/Nadapal, on the border with South Sudan. The 601km road will be an important road connection running the northern part of Kenya via Lokichar, Kakuma, Lodwar to Lokichoggio. The project will also include the installation of a 600km fibre optic cable. Some $500 million of the necessary financing is being provided by the World Bank, with a further $70 million bei
  • Uganda bridge project -financing secured
    March 26, 2018
    Financing now looks set to be secured for a major bridge project for Uganda. A loan is being supplied by various European and Japanese banks will help pay for the new River Nile Bridge. In all the bridge project is costing US$125.7 million. The 525m-long by 23m-wide link is needed to replace the ageing xxx structure. After the new bridge opens to traffic, the old bridge will be decommissioned.