South Sudan, Uganda, and the Central African Republic (CAR) have agreed to co-develop a massive 1,100-kilometre highway project to boost trade and integration across East and Central Africa.
The announcement was made during a high-level summit hosted by President Yoweri Museveni at Fort Portal State Lodge on May 16, where leaders unveiled the long-anticipated infrastructure initiative.
The route will connect Uganda to CAR via South Sudan, opening up critical trade pathways and reinforcing political ties among the three nations.
The initiative follows Museveni’s October 2024 pledge to link South Sudan’s town of Yei with Uganda’s main highway network which now expanded through strategic collaboration with CAR’s President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
Officials say construction is set to begin soon, with the road expected to serve as a backbone for commerce, transport, and regional stability.
Agreed Routes
Uganda to South Sudan: The proposed route includes Kampala, Karuma, Nimule, Juba, Kaya, Yei, and Juba again, facilitating improved access between Uganda and South Sudan.
South Sudan to CAR: The planned corridor connects Juba, Mundri, Mambe, Yambio, Ezo, Bambouti, Obo, and Sibuti, linking South Sudan to CAR.
Phased Development Approach
Phase I (Short-term): This phase focuses on urgent repairs, including gravel road upgrades and bridge maintenance, to improve immediate access.
Phase II (Medium to long-term): The second phase involves paving gravel roads and restoring existing paved routes, aiming for long-term infrastructure development.
This collaborative effort is expected to bolster regional trade, enhance economic integration, and improve transportation infrastructure across the three nations
