Uganda - Second Northeastern Road-Corridor Asset Management Project

Overview & Synopsis

Northeastern Road-Corridor Asset Management Project 2 for Uganda has the development objectives to lower transport costs, improve accessibility and road safety, and support job creation along selected regional corridors. Component 1: Climate resilient upgrading of highway corridors – road rehabilitation, operations and maintenance including institutional support, will complete rehabilitation of the Tororo–Mbale–Soroti section to climate-resilient standards with improved pavement, drainage, and safety features; implement routine and periodic maintenance and axle-load control via a new weighbridge; and strengthen corridor operations through traffic management, road safety, and climate risk preparedness. Sub-component 1.1 will finance design, rehabilitation, performance-based maintenance of 150.8 kilometers and weighbridge operations, integrating nature-based and engineering solutions for floods, heat, and erosion. Sub-component 1.2 will upgrade the Road Asset Management System (RAMS) and a Traffic Management System (TMS), using real-time data for adaptive control, incident response, and traveler information, and will support targeted road safety actions. Sub-component 1.3 will provide capacity building for the Ministry of Works and Transport in design, procurement, contract management, and climate-resilient asset management, including graduate training and mentorship with a strong focus on women, and licensing and training on the Highway Design and Management Model version 4. Sub-component 1.4 will support the Project Implementation Unit to strengthen supervision, contract management, and environmental and social oversight, and will cover Resettlement Action Plans and preparation of selected pipeline projects. Component 2: Climate resilient upgrading and rehabilitation of town roads and access roads infrastructure in the refugee hosting districts of Koboko, Yumbe, and Moyo will upgrade about 16 kilometers of priority town roads linking to the Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo corridor and 15 kilometers of access roads serving the Bidi Bidi refugee settlement, with walkways, lighting, and drainage to ensure all-weather connectivity and last-mile access to markets and essential services, alongside contractor-managed apprenticeships for refugees and host communities. Component 3: Construction of climate resilient roadside rest areas, a weighbridge, and markets will deliver three inclusive market centers (one per district) with stalls, sanitation, storage, and safe access features designed for women traders, one roadside rest area offering safe parking and basic services for long-distance drivers, and one weighbridge with weigh-in-motion facilities near Koboko to enforce axle-load limits and protect road assets, complemented by training for women traders in financial, business, and negotiation skills. Component 4: Contingent Emergency Response will enable rapid reallocation of project resources to support government response to eligible crises through an updated manual, Emergency Action Plan, and compliance with environmental and social requirements.