Uganda: Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo Road Project Set to Drive Trade and Transformation in West Nile

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A major infrastructure upgrade is reshaping the economic outlook of Uganda’s West Nile sub-region. The Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo (KYM) road–stretching 103.08 kilometres–is being transformed from gravel to a modern concrete asphalt highway under a USD 130 million (approximately Shs 494 billion) World Bank grant.

The upgraded corridor will include pedestrian walkways, street lighting, crash barriers, bus bays, and improved drainage systems–improving safety, connectivity, and reliability across three key refugee-hosting districts.

Strategically linking Uganda to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the KYM road is expected to spur cross-border trade, agricultural productivity, and socio-economic development across the region.

“Trade is steadily flourishing, particularly in Bidi Bidi settlement, where many refugees run small enterprises such as retail shops, motorcycle garages, and furniture businesses,” said Pamela Kusimba, Communications Specialist at the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT). “This road will provide a safe, reliable corridor that improves commerce across borders.”

Eng. Alex Otim, the project manager, echoed her sentiments: “This road is not just infrastructure–it’s a lifeline. We are already witnessing increased cross-border movement of goods and services between Uganda, South Sudan, and DRC.”

Williams Anyama, LC5 Chairperson of Moyo District, added: “This is one of the most impactful road projects in the West Nile region. It will open up the agricultural and business potential of our districts while easing access to South Sudan and beyond.”

Being implemented by Zhongmei Engineering Group, the KYM project is already generating employment and economic growth.

“We have created jobs for hundreds of youth and subcontracted local suppliers of materials like sand and aggregates,” said Zhou Changwei, Business Manager at Zhongmei. “The project emphasises building local capacity while delivering world-class infrastructure.”

The MoWT has also rolled out social service initiatives, including HIV/AIDS sensitisation, behaviour change campaigns, and financial literacy training for workers and communities.

“To date, 95% of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) have received compensation,” confirmed Eng. Otim. “We are finalising payments for the remaining 5% and constructing seven resettlement houses in Yumbe to restore their dignity.”

The project prioritises climate-smart infrastructure and road safety. Installed pollution monitoring equipment is gathering real-time environmental data to inform long-term planning. Additionally, the project includes a study on women’s mobility patterns in refugee-hosting districts to inform gender-responsive road design.

“We want roads that are usable and safe for everyone–men, women, children, refugees, and host communities,” said Pamela Kusimba. “That’s why we’re investing in understanding and addressing mobility barriers faced by women.”

Key safety interventions include, a gender-disaggregated Road Accident Database, awareness campaigns for schoolchildren, boda-boda riders, and truck drivers and community sensitisation against vandalism of road infrastructure

For everyday citizens, the road already holds promise. Louis Edema, a farmer in Moyo Sub-county, said: “This road means better access to markets for our farm produce. I can finally dream of transporting my cassava and mangoes with less cost and spoilage.”