By Mulengera Reporters
Hoima City leaders have praised the government and Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) for supporting local construction firm Abubaker Technical Services and General Supplies Ltd (ATSGSL), while urging stakeholders to work together to accelerate the UGX309bn Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima Road ahead of the May, 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The leaders say the road is a major infrastructure investment that will improve connectivity, support business and strengthen Hoima’s readiness to host continental football matches.
Hoima Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Badru Mugabi commended UDC for investing in a local company and called for closer coordination among the contractor, government agencies and city authorities to ensure the project progresses alongside other AFCON preparations.
He said Hoima had already received UGX3.7bn from government for city beautification, including planting trees, grass and greening selected sections of the road corridor ahead of AFCON.
With additional works planned for pedestrian walkways, he encouraged Abubaker to deploy more manpower and prioritize sections within the city so that the different projects can be completed in time for the continental tournament.
“We need this thing finished yesterday,” the RCC said, expressing confidence that coordinated efforts would help the city achieve its targets.
Abubaker General Manager Frank Kizito said the company was committed to delivering the 145-kilometre road, which stretches from Busunju to Hoima City, but explained that delays in securing some of the required material meant to be imported from the Middle East, where there is an ongoing war, had affected the laying of the final asphalt surface in some sections.
He said the company had acquired specialized equipment through its partnership with UDC, strengthening its capacity to execute major road projects.
Kizito expressed optimism that government financing support would enable the company to secure sufficient materials like bitumen, accelerate construction and meet the February 2027 completion target.
Hoima City Mayor Edward Isingoma welcomed the contractor and pledged the city’s cooperation, saying local authorities were ready to provide a conducive environment for the works to progress.
He also called for temporary parking arrangements to minimise traffic disruption during construction, stressing that the contractor and city authorities shared the goal of making AFCON 2027 a success.
In Kiboga, Town Council Mayor Henry Kagali praised government for entrusting the project to a local company, saying the investment was already creating employment opportunities for residents.
He estimated that between 50 and 75 people from the Kiboga area had secured jobs through the project and appealed for timely government funding to keep the works moving.
UDC Board Chairman Godfrey Ruhulira said the corporation’s investment in Abubaker was part of a broader strategy to build the capacity of local companies to compete for major contracts and retain more economic benefits within the country.
He said the partnership reflected the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, with the benefits expected to include job creation, skills development and improved household incomes.
UDC has invested approximately UGX98 billion in the construction company through equity and shareholder financing, taking a stake in a local firm that is now undertaking major infrastructure contracts.
The Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima Road is expected to strengthen the connection between Kampala and the Albertine region, supporting trade, agricultural marketing and the development of Uganda’s oil and gas industry.
The Hoima RCC also encouraged Abubaker to consider establishing a temporary camp within the city so that workers can source food, accommodation and other services locally, allowing more of the project’s economic benefits to remain in the community.
He commended the company for maintaining good relations with residents, saying his office had not received security-related complaints involving its workers. He also urged the contractor and city authorities to address concerns about trees affected by the works, including exploring options for preservation or replacement where necessary. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
