Uganda and Tanzania are in advanced stages of the plan to revive a road linking the two countries from south of Uganda.
Government officials from Uganda say this new deal will counter the uncertain route connecting Uganda to Mombasa port in Kenya where most Uganda has been using for its imports.
Uganda’s Finance minister Maria Kiwanuka yesterday said the Uganda and Tanzania governments have endorsed the plan, adding that all line agencies were in advanced stages to implement it.
Kiwanuka said there has always been a southern route through Mwanza or Mutula Town to Dar-es-Salaam, but noted that the current plan was not a short-term intervention in anticipation of the forthcoming elections in Kenya.
“It is important for Uganda to have at least two alternative routes for continuity in supply and efficiency of services,” she said, adding: “This is a long term plan because the most expensive good is one that does not reach or delays.”
The decision came after a joint ministerial meeting in Tanzania on January 25.
According to Kiwanuka, the meeting was keen on ensuring smooth and rapid movement of goods through the route for both international and regional trade.
NMG
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