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Bridging East Africa : The Djibouti-Kampala Corridor Project

Bridging East Africa : The Djibouti-Kampala Corridor Project

At noon, the Chairman received Major General Moses Rwakitarate, Coordinator of Vital Assets and Strategic Facilities at the Coordination Center of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), at RSW.

The meeting focused on discussions regarding the development of the Djibouti-Kampala corridor. This important infrastructure initiative was first addressed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May 2019 between Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda.

In September 2023, a ministerial meeting was held in Djibouti to expedite the development of the corridor. The project has been classified as one of the Horn of Africa Initiative's key projects, as well as a priority within the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).

Reflecting on recent engagements, the Chairman visited Kampala in 2023, where he met with the Minister of Works and Transport. Additionally, the Chairman held a meeting with General Salim Saleh in Gulu, focusing on enhancing sea and air cargo business (which now serves 28 countries) to better serve the northern part of Uganda and the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

However, a critical gap in the project remains—the construction of the RAAD-BOMA and KAPOETA sections in South Sudan, which spans 277 kilometers. The estimated cost for this component of the corridor development is USD 372 million.

Furthermore, discussions also highlighted the Gulu Industrial Park and its potential role in facilitating trade with South Sudan and eastern Congo. To ensure the park’s success, DPFZA has committed to supporting the employees and management team at Gulu Industrial Park through specialized training and skill enhancement programs.

The development of this corridor is important not only for strengthening regional integration but also for promoting trade and enhancing interconnectivity between neighboring countries, thereby fostering economic growth and cooperation across the Horn of Africa.