Uganda and DR Congo launch joint road projects

By Patricia Oyella

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and his counterpart from the Democratic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi have launched the construction of road projects between the two countries.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the works took place in Uganda’s western border town of Mpondwe in Kasese district and Kasindi in the DR Congo's North Kivu province.

In a joint statement, the two heads of state said the developments would lead to the socio-economic transformation of the lives of the people in the two countries.

They emphasised the importance of strengthening co-operation in areas of security, energy, trade and investment, management of trans-boundary waters, petroleum and minerals.

In May this year, the two countries signed an agreement for three roads projects totalling 223km (138 miles).

The works are from Kasindi to Beni, Beni to Butembo and from Bunagana border to Ruchuru-Goma.

Uganda will contribute 20% of the total cost of the project estimated at $334.5m (£239m) and its soldiers will protect the contractors. DR Congo will meet the rest of the costs.

The Ugandan parliament has already approved $62m to fund it.

This article was originally published by BBC News. [Photo: AFP]