This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
On November 17, 2019, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed an agreement to jointly construct 1,200 kilometres of roads, aimed at easing the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
The project includes three key roads: a 24km Bunagana-Goma road up to Rutshuru in DRC, a 977km road from Mpondwe border post in western Uganda to Beni in DRC, and a 180km road from Goli in northern Uganda to Beni.
The agreement was signed by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Uganda President Yoweri Museveni at the first Joint Business Forum held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
The forum aimed to promote bilateral trade, investment, and connectivity between the two countries.
According to Uganda's Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa, DRC is one of Uganda's key export markets, with total exports to DRC in 2018 standing at $532 million, of which informal trade exports were worth $312 million, while formal trade accounted for $221 million.
President Tshisekedi has made several visits to Uganda since taking office, with over five visits aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
DR Congo is seeking to join the East African Community, which will further open up the country to trade with member states.
