Uganda seeks Shs674 billion loan for Bwindi roads
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi proposed borrowing from Citi Bank to pave two roads vital for tourism to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda's government is seeking to borrow up to 674.114 billion Ugandan shillings (approximately €142.69 million) from Citi Bank to upgrade two roads in the Kigezi sub-region. Finance Minister Henry Musasizi presented the proposal to Parliament on Tuesday, aiming to convert the 47-kilometre Hamurwa–Kerere–Kanungu Road and the 32-kilometre Kanyantorogo–Butogota–Buhoma Road to paved standard. These roads are vital arteries to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mountain gorillas.
Musasizi told Parliament on October 21, 2026, that the project is an investment in tourism revenue, describing tourism as "the only sure way now of attracting revenue." Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa supported the economic rationale, noting a significant price difference in tourism experiences compared to neighbouring countries. The proposal has been referred to the Committee on National Economy for review before any parliamentary approval.
The road upgrades align with President Yoweri Museveni's 2025 campaign pledges to improve infrastructure in the Kigezi region to boost trade and service delivery. Uganda's tourism sector has shown strong recovery, with international visitor arrivals increasing by 19.7 percent to 1.64 million in 2025, generating about US$1.62 billion. Gorilla tourism is a high-yield segment for parks like Bwindi.
Why it mattersUganda's tourism sector, a significant source of revenue and jobs, will benefit from improved infrastructure to key wildlife parks.