New roads, street lights boost Nebbi trade

What the report says

Nebbi Municipality in Uganda’s West Nile region is seeing a visible infrastructure upgrade that local leaders and business operators say is already improving movement, safety and trade. According to Nile Post, the changes include the tarmacking of roads under a Shs106 billion government-backed upgrade of the 33-kilometre Alwi-Nebbi road, plus an additional 2.6 kilometres of municipal roads.

The article says the new surfaces have reduced dust and made travel easier for residents, traders and motorists. Solar-powered street lights have also been installed in parts of the town, with officials saying they have improved nighttime visibility and security. Nebbi District Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak and other local voices said the developments are changing the town’s appearance and supporting business activity.

Nebbi’s location on the route linking Uganda to Mahagi in the Democratic Republic of Congo gives the improvements wider economic significance. Traders on both sides of the border rely on the corridor to move goods, and local businesses reported stronger demand for items such as eggs and goats, along with more activity for restaurants and accommodation providers. A business leader cited in the report said the cleaner, smoother roads have eased earlier problems caused by dust settling on merchandise.

The report also notes broader context: West Nile was connected to the national electricity grid in 2024, adding another boost for businesses. Local leaders are now urging government to prioritize further roads, including Nebbi-Paidha and Nebbi-Goli, to deepen connectivity and support more investment.