Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi on Wednesday June 16, 2021 launched the construction of key roads aimed at improving trade between the two neighboring countries.
The event was held at Mpondwe Bridge, which connects Mpondwe border post in Uganda’s western district of Kasese and Kasindi in the DRC’s North Kivu Province.
They also launched the Mpondwe bridge in Kasese district.
The two leaders met at the Kisindi border post to launch the projects that will be jointly financed by the two countries. The government of Uganda, through the Minister for Works and Transport is injecting up to 243.7 billion Shillings into the construction of the roads measuring 223km.
The roads consist of the Kasindi section at the border to Beni (80km) plus the integration of the Beni-Butembo stretch (54km). It also consists of the Bunagana to Rutsuru-Goma road (89km).
In his brief address, the DR Congo President said that the development will reinforce the relationship between both countries adding that it’s an excellent gift from his Ugandan counterpart to the people of Congo. He said the project opens DRC nationals to business opportunities in Uganda.
“If this project is complete, it will work towards economic development, that is why we as Congolese encourage it,” Tshisekedi said in his speech
The two leaders said the roads would bring a tremendous change to the socio-economic development of the two countries.
They commended the ongoing construction of the Mpondwe/Kasindi One-Stop Border Post and Mpondwe Border Export Zone as they would facilitate trade, movement of people, goods and services between the two countries, said a communique issued at the end of the visit.
Uganda’s Cabinet last year approved the construction and upgrading of 223 km roads in eastern DRC to boost trade and reduce insecurity.
Meanwhile the communique said the two leaders exchanged views on the security situation in the region, especially in the eastern DRC.
“They reaffirmed their willingness to combine their efforts to neutralize negative armed groups destabilizing the region,” said the communique.
