Uganda urged to complete 12km road link as Kenya awaits at Mulwanda border

What the report says

Ugandan officials and community leaders are pressing the government to finish a 12-kilometre road from Lumino Sub-county in Busia District to the Mulwanda border point, where Kenya has already extended its road network to the river boundary. The Independent Uganda reported that the link is seen as a potential third crossing between the two countries, aimed at easing pressure on the Busia and Malaba border posts and improving movement for commercial traffic.

According to the report, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth directed the Ministry of Works and Transport to start the project immediately during an October 10, 2026 thanksgiving event for Julius Wandera Maganda, the Samia Bugwe South MP and Minister of State for Works and Transport. Maganda urged engineers to begin with a murram surface if tarmacking cannot start at once, saying the road would help divert heavy trucks away from Busia town and reduce congestion and accidents. The ceremony took place at Butenge Primary School in Lunyo, Busia District.

Busia County Governor Paul Otuoma in Kenya also called for Uganda to complete its section, describing the crossing as important for cross-border trade. He linked the road to wider regional plans, including work under UN-Habitat on the Greater Busia Metropolis and possible rail connectivity. Oboth said infrastructure needs in Busia and Bukedi required coordination, while cautioning Maganda to balance local priorities with national responsibilities.

The report also said Maganda used the event to outline local economic initiatives, including poultry, coffee and cocoa projects, and a women’s empowerment fund, while other leaders urged residents to use existing government livelihood programmes.