The Lusalira–Nkonge–Lumegere–Sembabule Road is a road in the Central Region of Uganda, connecting the town of Lusalira, in Mubende District, to the town of Sembabule in Sembabule District. Through this road, traffic can connect from Mubende to Sembabule and then on to Masaka, in southwestern Uganda.[1]
| Lusalira–Nkonge–Lumegere–Sembabule Road | |
|---|---|
| Route information | |
| Length | 60 mi (97 km) |
| History | Designated in 2022 Completion in 2028 Expected |
| Major junctions | |
| North end | Lusaira |
| Nkonge Kabamba Lumegere | |
| South end | Sembabule |
| Location | |
| Country | Uganda |
| Highway system | |
Location
editThe road begins in the town of Lusalira, in Mubende District, approximately 15 kilometres (9 mi), southwest of Mubende, along the Mubende–Kyegegwa–Kyenjojo–Fort Portal Road.[2] From here, the road takes a general southerly route through Nkonge and Kabamba, where it crosses the Katonga River and continues to Lumegere in Sembabule District, a distance of 53 kilometres (33 mi).[3]
From Lumegere, the road turns southeast and continues to end at Sembabule, a distance of approximately 43 kilometres (27 mi).[4] The total length of this road is quoted as 97 kilometres (60 mi).[1]
Upgrade to class II bitumen
editIn 2018, the Government of Uganda (GOU), through the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), began making arrangements to upgrade this road to class II bitumen, with shoulders, culverts and drainage channels. The work includes (a) grade-separated intersections (b) underpasses and related structures (c) signal lights and (d) side walls.[1] In April 2022, UNRA indicated that the next stage of development was contract signing with an entity called Tecnovia Joint Venture.[5] In February 2022, the executive director of UNRA, Allen Kagina, while releasing the half year performance report for the financial year 2021/2022, indicated that this road is a priority.[6]
The EPC contract was awarded to Tecnovia Joint Venture, comprising Tecnovia S.A. a construction conglomerate based in Porto Salvo, Portugal and Tecnovia Angola, its subsidiary, based in Luanda, Angola.[7][8]
Funding
editAs of July 2018, the construction cost had not yet been made public. The Exim Bank of China and UK Export Finance had indicated willingness to provide loans for this project. The GOU was expected to make an equity investment into the upgrade of this road. As of that time, selection of an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor was ongoing.[1]
In November 2024 the Ugandan government signed an agreement with Citibank Uganda for the institution to advance a syndicated loan for the paving of this road. The construction cost is budgeted at USh534.9 billion (US$146.96 million). The syndicated loan was arranged by Citibank Uganda. Absa Bank Mauritius participated in the syndication. Other participants include the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance. The table below outlines the sources of funding for paving the Lusalira–Nkonge–Lumegere–Sembabule Road.[7][8]
| Rank | Development Partner | Contribution in UGX | Equivalent in US$ | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citibank Uganda | 479.8 billion | 131.82 million | 89.7 |
Loan |
| 3 | Government of Uganda | 55.11 billion | 15.14 million | 10.3 |
Equity |
| Total | 534.9 billion | 146.96 million | 100.0 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d Global Data (13 July 2018). "UNRA – Lusalira to Ssembabule Road Upgrade – Uganda". Globaldata.com. London, United Kingdom. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ "Road Distance Between Mubende, Uganda And Lusalira, Uganda" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ "Road Distance Between Lusalira, Uganda And Lumegere, Uganda" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ "Road Distance Between Lumegere, Uganda And Sembabule, Uganda" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ Uganda National Roads Authority (30 April 2022). "Upgrading Projects Under Procurement" (PDF). Uganda National Roads Authority. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ Ismail Musa Ladu (28 February 2022). "All oil roads will be ready by 2025, says Kagina". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ a b Martin Luther Oketch (8 November 2024). "Uganda Inks Shs500 Billion Deal To Construct Major 97Km Road". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ a b Stuart Ampaire (8 November 2024). "Uganda Picks Shs 530bn Citibank Loan for Lusalira-Ssembabule Road Upgrade". ChimpReports. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 9 November 2024.