The Ministry of Works and Transport has launched major road rehabilitation works in Jinja ahead of the 100th Rotary International District Conference.
scheduled to take place from April 9th to 12th, 2025. The conference scheduled for April 9 to 12 and will host over 1,200 attendees from across Africa, is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits to the city.
The ongoing roadworks primarily focus on improving access routes to the Civil Service College, the official conference venue.
Efforts include patching potholes, leveling roads, and applying murram, with bitumen surfacing expected soon.
Jinja City Town Clerk Edward Lwanga confirmed that the Ministry of Works has committed to supplying bitumen for all major roads around the venue.
“We have started clearing and leveling the roads in preparation for tarmacking. The ministry has assured us that bitumen will be supplied soon,” Lwanga said.
In addition to road improvements, solar streetlights will be installed on key roads to enhance security and improve the city’s aesthetics.
A contractor has already been secured to light up a section Kyabazinga Way from Police roundabout to Mailo Mbiri, other roads to benefit under the same arrangement include Nalufenya-Clive Road from Ambercourt roundabout to Mainstreet Junction, and all other routes near the Civil Service College shall be lit up.
Lwanga called upon proprietors of hotels where guests are expected to stay during the conference to reach out to city authorities such that the roads leading to their premises are worked upon before 9th April
Jinja City Council Speaker Bernard Mbayo praised the intervention by the Ministry of Works and Transport, led by Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala.
“Jinja is a well-planned city, but our roads have been in terrible condition for years. We appreciate the government’s commitment to rehabilitating key routes like Kisinja Road and Nile Crescent,” Mbayo stated.
Despite these efforts, Jinja continues to struggle with a deteriorating road network, with some roads last rehabilitated during the colonial era.
Jinja City Mayor Peter Kasolo highlighted the financial challenges in maintaining the city’s 200km road network.
“Constructing just one kilometer of road in Jinja, including streetlights and drainage, costs over Shs 15 billion, yet we receive only Shs 1 billion from the road fund annually. This makes it difficult to sustain proper road maintenance,” Kasolo lamented.
While the World Bank-funded Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) project has contributed to Jinja’s road network, it has only covered less than 10 kilometers since 2013.
As the Rotary International Conference approaches, the ongoing road rehabilitation and infrastructure upgrades are expected to enhance Jinja’s appeal, boost local businesses, and promote tourism.
The event provides a unique opportunity to showcase Jinja’s iconic attractions, such as the Source of the Nile and Bususwa Falls.
With Rotarians from across Africa set to arrive, the city is optimistic that these improvements will leave a lasting impact, positioning Jinja as a preferred destination for future international events and investments.
