Uganda is accelerating land acquisition for the proposed Mulwanda border road connecting the country to Kenya, a project expected to ease congestion at the busy Busia border crossing by providing an alternative route for heavy commercial trucks.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga on Sunday, October 11, instructed the Ministry of Works to expedite the process to pave the way for construction and the eventual opening of the border crossing.
The directive followed concerns raised by Uganda's Parliament Speaker, Jacob Oboth, over delays in operationalising the border, despite Kenya having completed tarmacking its section of the road.
Oboth noted that Uganda had only about 12 kilometres of road remaining to be paved, stretching from Lumino to the border.
"The Kenyan government has already completed its road up to the border river at Mulwanda. What remains is Uganda's 12-kilometre stretch from Lumino, which is still unpaved," Oboth claimed.
Responding to the concerns, Kadaga confirmed that she had directed the relevant ministry to fast-track land acquisition for the project to ensure the border crossing becomes operational within the expected timeframe.
"I have instructed the Works Ministry to fast-track the acquisition of land for the Mulwanda Border; your message will reinforce the process," Kadaga said.
The proposed Mulwanda border crossing is expected to divert heavy commercial trucks away from Busia, which has recently experienced significant traffic congestion.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma welcomed the prospect of opening the new crossing, describing it as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration among communities living on both sides of the Kenya-Uganda border.
Otuoma also noted that the project would deliver benefits beyond easing traffic, arguing that diverting heavy trucks from Busia town and surrounding areas could help reduce road accidents.
The development follows earlier indications that Kenya and Uganda were working towards operationalising the border post.
In April, the Kenyan government disclosed that the Mulwanda border initiative had been proposed and that discussions between the two countries were underway to facilitate its opening.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi informed Parliament that Uganda had proposed commencing activities to operationalise the crossing in May 2026.
“The Republic of Uganda has proposed that the said activities begin in May 2026, including the tarmacking of the roads to the border,” Mudavadi said.
Once operational, the Mulwanda crossing is expected to provide an additional route for cross-border trade and transport, easing pressure on the Busia border point on the Kenyan side.
The project could also improve the movement of goods between the two countries while reducing the concentration of heavy commercial vehicles in Busia, where congestion has become a growing concern.
However, Uganda's remaining road works and land acquisition process will be key to determining how soon the crossing can become operational.
