Kotido, Uganda: Kotido Municipality is set to construct a Shs7.8 billion modern bus park under the World Bank-funded Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) Programme, a major infrastructure investment expected to transform urban transport, improve sanitation and stimulate economic growth in the Karamoja municipality.
The proposed transport hub will be built at the existing bus and taxi park and is designed to improve urban mobility while providing a modern, organised and climate-resilient facility for commuters, transport operators and traders.
The project design was unveiled by officials from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Kotido Municipal Hall, bringing together municipal and district leaders, technical officers and other key stakeholders.
According to Michael Lugayizi, the project supervisor, the modern bus park will feature 59 lock-up shops, designated parking spaces for buses and taxis, tarmacked access roads, paved pedestrian walkways, modern drainage systems, a guard house and a perimeter fence.
“The construction works are expected to commence in December this year. Therefore, all outstanding issues should be resolved in time to avoid delays in project implementation,” Lugayizi said.
He revealed that the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has already commenced the procurement process to secure a contractor for the project.
The bus park forms part of the broader Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) Programme, a six-year initiative running from 2026 to 2031 that seeks to improve urban infrastructure across selected cities and municipalities.
The programme focuses on developing climate-smart and resilient infrastructure, including transport networks, drainage systems, solid waste management facilities and urban greening initiatives to support sustainable urbanisation.
Kotido Municipal Town Clerk Moses Lorika welcomed the investment, describing it as a timely opportunity to modernise the municipality’s transport infrastructure and strengthen local economic development.
Lorika noted that all 74 lease agreements for lock-up spaces within the existing bus park are due to expire in November 2026, creating a favourable environment for implementation of the project.
“We are fortunate that this project has come at a time when the leases are expiring. This gives us an opportunity to implement the project without major complications,” he said.
Central Division LCIII Chairperson Namoe Rose Mary Chilla said the new bus park is expected to increase local revenue collection while creating employment opportunities for residents through expanded commercial activities.
Meanwhile, Kotido District LCV Chairperson Paul Komol Lotee urged current occupants of the bus park to voluntarily vacate the site once their lease agreements expire to allow smooth commencement of construction works.
“People occupying lockups at the park should demolish them and leave willingly without causing unnecessary standoffs by demanding compensation, which will not happen,” Komol said.
He emphasized that the project is intended to serve the long-term interests of the municipality by improving transport services and supporting economic transformation.
Once completed, the modern bus park is expected to decongest the municipality, improve traffic management, strengthen sanitation standards and provide safer, more efficient transport services for passengers and operators.
The project also aligns with the government’s broader agenda of modernising urban centres through strategic infrastructure investments aimed at improving service delivery, promoting trade and enhancing the quality of life in municipalities across Uganda.
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