Broken Roads, Broken Dreams: Uganda’s Missed Opportunities in Trade and Development.

By Amiri Wabusimba. In Uganda, roads do more than connect communities; they symbolize economic potential, social cohesion, and national pride. Yet, paradoxically, some of these very roads, like the critical route linking Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda-Kenya, stand as glaring monuments to neglect. They represent missed opportunities in trade, agriculture, and the promise of better livelihoods for millions. As potholes deepen and infrastructure crumbles, Uganda’s ambitions of regional and global competitiveness remain stifled.

The main road to the DRC or Kenya are not merely a physical path; it is a lifeline for farmers, traders, and small-scale entrepreneurs who rely on seamless cross-border exchange to sustain their livelihoods. Their state of disrepair is a telling metaphor for Uganda’s broader challenges disconnect between political priorities and the practical needs of its people. This neglect is particularly painful for farmers in regions like Mubende, where allegiance to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) runs deep. These farmers work tirelessly to feed the nation but face an uphill battle against low market prices, poor road networks, and exploitative middlemen. Without reliable infrastructure to transport their produce, they are forced to sell at farm-gate prices, losing potential income while their efforts go undervalued.

The irony becomes glaring during national events or election periods where resources that seem elusive for infrastructure development suddenly materialize with remarkable speed. Ballot boxes are transported to the most remote corners, and the iconic yellow buses, symbols of NRM mobilization, ferry supporters to political rallies. However, as the events fade, so too does the attention on these communities, leaving them grappling with the same challenges that existed before the fanfare.

Take Mubende as an example which is hosting the 26th Liberation Day commemoration at the National Teachers’ College, the community will witness a flurry of activity: roads temporarily patched, buses mobilized, and funds allocated for event logistics. But once the curtains close and the speeches end, will Mubende be left with more than memories of a day’s spectacle? Or will it continue to wrestle with impassable feeder roads, underfunded schools, and inadequate health facilities? The plight of agriculture, Uganda’s economic backbone, mirrors this pattern of neglect. Despite employing over 70% of the population and contributing significantly to the GDP, the sector remains chronically underfunded. Farmers earn a pittance for their labor, and post-harvest losses are exacerbated by poor infrastructure.

Liberation Day and similar national celebrations could be repurposed as catalysts for transformation. Instead of spending resources on temporary visibility, these occasions could leave behind a tangible legacy: a refurbished road, a new health center, or an upgraded school. For example, allocating funds used for mobilization to repair the road linking Uganda to the DRC or Kenya would not only enhance trade but also uplift the farmers and traders who depend on this corridor.

Globally, there are inspiring models to emulate, take an example of Rwanda’s Umuganda a monthly national day of community service mobilizes citizens and leaders to work together on projects like building roads, planting trees, and cleaning neighborhoods. This initiative fosters a sense of collective responsibility and delivers measurable improvements to community infrastructure. Uganda could adopt a similar approach, tailoring it to its unique context. Imagine if every district that hosts a national event received a transformative project a repaired school, a functioning water extension / borehole, or a fully equipped health center as part of the celebration. Such initiatives would redefine the relationship between the government and its citizens, turning symbolic loyalty into genuine gratitude.

Revitalizing agriculture is another critical piece of this puzzle like Cooperative unions that could empower farmers to collectively negotiate better prices, while affordable credit facilities and modern farming techniques would boost productivity. Subsidized transportation for agricultural produce akin to the yellow buses used for political events could significantly reduce post-harvest losses and ensure that farmers retain more of their earnings. Countries like Kenya’s Vision 2030 program prioritized rural infrastructure, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing food security provide valuable lessons.

As Uganda’s leaders gather to commemorate Liberation Day in Mubende, they have an opportunity to redefine their legacy. Beyond the speeches and political rhetoric, the government can demonstrate its commitment to the communities that have shown unwavering loyalty over the years. Repairing roads, empowering farmers, and addressing the systemic neglect of rural areas are not just acts of governance; they are moral imperatives.  True leadership is not measured by the size of the crowd at a rally but by the impact left behind when the crowd disperses.

The yellow buses that mobilize supporters could become symbols of transformation, ferrying not just people but also progress to the communities that need it most. Liberation Day could mark more than a historical milestone; it could become a turning point where Uganda embraces a new vision one where every celebration is accompanied by tangible progress, and every citizen feels the impact of their government’s promises. It is time to fix the roads, empower the farmers, and honor the spirit of liberation by building a future where no Ugandan is left behind.

Amiri Wabusimba is a diplomatic Scholar, Journalist, political analyst and Human Right activist

Tel: +56775103895 email: [email protected].