Uganda’s road network forms the backbone of the country’s transport system, connecting cities, towns, and border points across East Africa. The roads in Uganda are categorized into national, district, urban, and community roads, with national roads under the management of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).
As of the 2020s, Uganda has invested heavily in road construction and upgrading projects, including highways, bypasses, and expressways. These projects support economic growth by improving access to markets, trade routes, and tourist destinations.
Below is a list of notable national roads in Uganda.
Major National Roads in Uganda
- Kampala Northern Bypass Highway – 24 km, completed in 2009.
- Kampala–Jinja Highway – 86 km, the main corridor linking Kampala to eastern Uganda and Kenya.
- Entebbe–Kampala Expressway – Opened in 2018, Uganda’s first toll expressway.
- Gayaza–Ziroobwe Road – Upgraded between 2008 and 2011.
- Matugga–Kapeeka Road – Connecting central Uganda to rural areas.
- Kabale–Kisoro–Bunagana Road – Completed in 2012, key to southwestern trade.
- Kabarole–Bundibugyo Road – Serving the Rwenzori region.
- Gulu–Nimule Road – Completed in 2012, linking Uganda to South Sudan.
- Mbarara Northern Bypass Road – Opened in 2015.
- Hoima–Kaiso–Tonya Road – Completed in 2014, vital for oil exploration zones.
- Mukono–Katosi Road – Upgraded in 2014.
- Vurra–Oraba Road – Completed in 2015, linking to the DR Congo border.
- Hoima–Wanseko Road – Improved by 2015.
- Moroto–Nakapiripirit Road – Completed in 2016, serving Karamoja.
- Mbarara–Kikagati Road – 74 km, completed in 2014.
- Masaka–Bukakata Road – 41 km, linking to ferry crossings.
- Rukungiri–Kanungu Road – Serving southwestern Uganda.
- Ishaka–Kagamba Road – Completed by 2015.
- Ntungamo–Mirama Hills Road – Completed in 2014.
- Kayunga–Galiraya Road – Upgraded by 2016.
- Mbale–Lwakhakha Road – Completed in 2016.
- Acholibur–Olwiyo Road – Completed in 2018.
- Rwekunye–Musingo Road – Upgraded after 2015.
- Nyakahita–Fort Portal Road – 208 km, upgraded by 2016.
- Mpigi–Sembabule Road – 135 km, completed in 2017.
- Kigumba–Kabwoya Road – 135 km, upgraded in 2014.
- Musita–Busia Road – 105 km, completed in 2017.
- Mubende–Kagadi Road – Completed in 2015.
- Kyenjojo–Kabwoya Road – Serving oil-rich western Uganda.
- Ziroobwe–Wobulenzi Road – 24 km.
- Tororo–Mbale–Soroti Road – 158 km, upgraded by 2015.
- Mbarara–Ntungamo–Kabale–Katuna Road – 125 km, completed in 2011.
- Soroti–Dokolo–Lira Road – 125 km, completed in 2010.
- Kapchorwa–Suam Road – 77 km, upgraded in 2016.
- Muyembe–Nakapiripirit Road – 117 km, serving Karamoja.
- Jinja–Kamuli–Mbulamuti Road – Upgraded in 2012.
- Mukono–Kayunga–Njeru Road – 94 km.
- Soroti–Katakwi–Moroto–Lokitanyala Road – 208 km, crucial for eastern trade.
- Ntungamo–Rukungiri Road – 52 km, completed in 2005.
- Soroti–Amuria–Abim–Kotido Road – 192 km, serving northeastern Uganda.
- Kampala–Mpigi Expressway – 36 km, under construction, expected completion in 2023.
- Lusalira–Nkonge–Lumegere–Sembabule Road – 97 km, completed in 2022.
- Nakawuka–Kasanje–Mpigi Road – 34 km, completed in 2023.
- Kitgum–Kidepo Road – 116 km, expected completion in 2024.
- Kabwoya–Buhuka Road – 43 km, expected completion in 2027.
Importance of Roads in Uganda
The roads in Uganda are vital for trade, agriculture, tourism, and regional integration. Highways like the Kampala–Jinja Highway and Gulu–Nimule Road connect Uganda to Kenya and South Sudan, while expressways such as the Entebbe–Kampala Expressway ease travel to the country’s main international airport.
Road expansion in oil-rich regions like Hoima–Kaiso–Tonya and Kabwoya–Buhuka highlights the link between infrastructure and resource development. In addition, bypasses in cities like Kampala and Mbarara help to decongest urban traffic.
With continuous upgrades by UNRA, Uganda’s road network continues to improve access, reduce travel times, and support national economic growth.
