Kasindi–Beni–Butembo Road

Kasindi–Beni–Butembo Road
Route information
Length83 mi (134 km)
Major junctions
East endKasindi
Major intersectionsBeni
West endButembo
Location
Highway system

Kasindi–Beni–Butembo Road, is a road in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, connecting the towns of Kasindi, Beni and Butembo. The road allows interconnection between Uganda and DR Congo, facilitating trade, human interaction and enhancing joint security across the common border.[1]

Location

The eastern end of this road is in the town of Kasindi, DRC, adjacent to the town of Mpondwe, Uganda, at the international border between the two countries. From there, the road travels in a general northwesterly direction for approximately 80 kilometres (50 mi), to the town of Beni.[2] From Beni the road joins the National Road 2 and makes its way in a southwesterly direction for approximately 55 kilometres (34 mi), to Butembo.[3] The entire road, from end to end, measures approximately 134 kilometres (83 mi).[4]

Overview

This road is an important transport corridor between Uganda and the Democratic Republics of the Congo. It is expected to boost Uganda's trade with DRC, in agricultural and manufactured products, including refined petroleum products, as Uganda enters the oil-production phase. Uganda sells cement, sugar, electricity and beverages to DRC. DRC, in exchange sells timber, kitenge and gold to Uganda.[1][5]

Upgrades and reconstruction

Before 2019, the road was gravel surfaced, in various stages of disrepair. In November 2019, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed agreements in Entebbe, Uganda, to upgrade this road to bituminous surface, within twenty-four months, after the relevant ministers have agreed on implementation details.[1]

In October 2020, the Cabinet of Uganda resolved to participate in the upgrading and paving up to 223 kilometres (139 mi) of roads in the DRC to the tune of 20 percent of the cost. The government of the DRC would be responsible for the remaining 80 percent of the cost. The two roads involved are: 1. the 134 kilometres (83 mi) Kasindi–Beni–Butembo Road and 2. the 90 kilometres (56 mi) Bunagana–Rutshuru–Goma Road.[4]

Katumba Wamala, Uganda's Minister of Works and Transport indicated that Uganda would contribute US$65.9 million towards the improvements to the two roads, measuring 223 kilometres (139 mi). The total cost of improving and upgrading the two roads is budgeted at US$334.3 million. It is expected that after the road improvements, Uganda's exports to DR Congo will double, from the current $532 million (USh1.96 trillion) annually to $1.064 billion (USh3.92 trillion).[6][7]

In May 2021, the Deputy Prime Minister of DRC visited Uganda to sign a key infrastructure agreement with the Ugandan authorities, involving this road.[8]

In March 2022, commencement of the improvement of this road was jointly commissioned by Major General Kayanja Muhanga of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and Major General Bombelle Camille Ehola of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FADRC).[9]

Associated infrastructure

As of October 2021, the two neighboring countries are also working on these three other roads (a) the Nebbi-Goli-Mahagi-Bunia Road, measuring about 190 kilometres (118 mi) (b) the Bunia-Bogoro-Kasenyi Road, measuring 55 kilometres (34 mi) and (c) the 49 kilometres (30 mi) Rwebisengo-Budiba-Buguma-Njiyapada Road. It is expected that work on this group of roads will start after completion of the first group.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Halima Athumani (10 November 2019). "Uganda and DRC to Improve Infrastructure to Ease Business". Washington, DC: VOA News. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  2. ^ "Distance From Kasindi To Beni" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  3. ^ "Kasindi–Beni–Butembo Road" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  4. ^ a b Kenneth Kazibwe (30 September 2020). "Uganda to build 223km road network inside DRC". Kampala: Nile Post Uganda. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  5. ^ Rodney Muhumuza (29 September 2020). "Uganda to help build roads inside Congo, citing trade goals" (Quoting the Associated Press). The Washington Post. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  6. ^ Arthur Arnold Wadero (7 October 2020). "Govt explains Shs240b for DR Congo road projects". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  7. ^ Jonathan Kamoga and Patrick Ilunga (22 October 2020). "Uganda, DR Congo decide to make roads, not war". The EastAfrican. Nairobi. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  8. ^ The Independent (27 May 2021). "Uganda, DRC to sign major roads construction deal today". The Independent (Uganda). Kampala. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  9. ^ Kenneth Kazibwe (24 March 2022). "Uganda: Gen Muhanga Breaks Ground for Construction of Kasindi-Beni-Butembo Road in DRC". Nile Post Uganda. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  10. ^ Kwezi Tabaro (19 October 2021). "With roads and trade, Uganda seeks to build a bridge over DR Congo". The EastAfrican. Nairobi, Kenya.

00°27′13″N 29°25′48″E / 0.45361°N 29.43000°E / 0.45361; 29.43000