By Fidel Boy Leon
A major infrastructure project in Wakiso District is poised to redefine the region’s economic trajectory.
The groundbreaking of the Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road, officiated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on June 23, 2025, marks a critical milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and unlock local economic potential.
The 12.7km dual carriageway, being constructed by Chinese firm CICO, comes at a cost of Shs 56 billion and is expected to be completed within 18 months, running from May 2, 2025, to November 2, 2026.
The road will stretch from Bukasa to Kakiri, cutting through some of the most densely populated and economically active parts of Busiro County.
According to Eng. Simon Odoki, the resident engineer overseeing the project, said construction is currently 4.1% complete, and the final design, an 18-meter-wide road, will place it amongst the best roads in the region.
“We’re grateful to the people of Wakiso for offering the right of way willingly. This road will have a lasting impact on the region,” said Odoki.
President Museveni used the event to underscore how the Bukasa–Kakiri Road fits within a larger strategy to stimulate grassroots economic transformation through infrastructure and household wealth creation.
“It is good to have a tarmac road, but what is your income at home? “That is why we introduced the idea of wealth creation at the household level—because government jobs alone are not enough,” Museveni said.
By facilitating faster movement of goods and people, the road is expected to open up new market opportunities for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in Wakiso. It also enhances access to essential services like education and healthcare, which are critical to human capital development.
The President also emphasised the role of road infrastructure in supporting industrial growth, calling on residents to tap into value-addition and manufacturing opportunities.
“Factories must add value to our raw materials. When roads come in, they should not only serve transport but also help you create wealth at the source,” Museveni noted.
The improved access will attract investors, stimulate the transport and hospitality sectors, and create jobs through increased economic activity around the corridor.
In a gesture of goodwill, President Museveni contributed Shs 300 million to support the Bukasa Catholic Church and the local Protestant church, reinforcing the importance of community development alongside infrastructure expansion.
Former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya, who hails from the area, hailed the road project as a long-awaited fulfilment of community needs.
“This is a sign of delivery. We should support President Museveni and the NRM in the next elections,” Bukenya said.
The construction of the Bukasa–Kakiri Road is expected to be a game-changer for Wakiso District’s economic landscape. By connecting urban and peri-urban areas more efficiently, the road will significantly ease the movement of goods and people, reducing travel time, cutting transport costs, and improving access to essential services such as markets, schools, and health centres.
It will also strengthen inter-parish linkages, enable greater economic integration and boost the productivity of smallholder farmers. As connectivity improves, the road is likely to attract investment and catalyse the growth of agro-processing and other value-added industries, positioning Wakiso as a key driver of regional trade and rural transformation.
As President Museveni emphasised, infrastructure is most powerful when paired with household income generation and value addition. If completed on time and utilised effectively, this road could become a model for infrastructure-led development across Uganda.