Kampala: The Governments of Uganda, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR) have entered into a landmark agreement to boost regional trade and connectivity through a massive infrastructure development project and new aviation ties.
The pact was sealed following a three-day Tripartite Ministerial Meeting in Kampala that closed on Wednesday, 14th May 2025.
We’ve learnt that the meeting brought together ministers and technical teams from the three countries, focusing on cross-border road infrastructure development and trade promotion.
Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, who hosted the meeting, described the agreement as a bold step towards opening up the region to trade, security cooperation, and economic integration.
“This project speaks directly to our shared vision of a better-connected and economically stronger region. With improved roads and air services, we’re setting the stage for long-term growth,” Gen. Wamala said.
The road infrastructure plan, set to be rolled out in phases, will see a network connecting Uganda through Kampala-Karuma-Arua-Oraba to Kaya and Yei in South Sudan, and eventually to the CAR via routes such as Juba-Mundri-Maridi-Yambio-Yubu-Ezo-Bambouti-Obo-Sibuti. Another option being considered includes the Kampala-Karuma-Nimule-Juba corridor.
The ministers also agreed to jointly mobilize funding from development partners, branding the venture a “regional trade corridor” meant to unlock the region’s vast economic potential.
To oversee implementation, a Tripartite Technical Committee (TTC) was formed, comprising experts from the participating countries’ ministries of Works and Transport, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and legal departments.
This will conduct joint route inspections, finalize feasibility studies, and guide the technical rollout.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Uganda and CAR signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing aviation ties.
The agreement paves the way for Uganda Airlines to commence direct flights to CAR, easing travel and cutting transit time for passengers and cargo.
CAR’s Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Hon. Herbert Gontran Djono-Ahaba, hailed the agreement as a breakthrough for regional mobility.
“This is a major shift in how we think about connectivity in our region. Direct flights and better roads will change how people and goods move across borders,” he said.
His counterpart, CAR’s Minister for Equipment and Public Works, Hon. Eric Mathieu Rokosse-Kamot, said the collaboration would help tackle long-standing transportation bottlenecks that have hindered trade and movement.
South Sudan’s Minister for Roads and Bridges, Hon. Simon Mijok Mijak, welcomed the deal, noting that improving transport corridors would also serve as a peace dividend by strengthening cross-border cooperation and stability.
Also present at the meeting were Uganda’s Solicitor General, Mr. Pius Perry Biribonwoha, Uganda’s ambassadors to South Sudan and CAR, Amb. Brig. Gen. Ronnie Barya and Amb. Farid Kalisa—along with technical teams and diplomats who witnessed the signing of the agreements.
