Suam Border Point and Kapchorwa-Suam Road Transform Trade and Transport in Eastern Uganda

The Suam border point, which connects Uganda to Kenya, has significantly enhanced trade, streamlined the transportation of agricultural produce, and facilitated easier movement of people between the two countries.
The government has completed the construction of the Suam one-stop border point in Bukwo District and the 73-kilometre Kapchorwa-Suam road, a transformative project set to revolutionize trade and transportation in eastern Uganda.
The Suam border point, which connects Uganda to Kenya, has significantly enhanced trade, streamlined the transportation of agricultural produce, and facilitated easier movement of people between the two countries.
The initiative is part of the broader cross-border Kapchorwa-Suam-Endebess-Kitale-Eldoret corridor, co-funded by the African Development Bank and the Government of Uganda.
The state-of-the-art border facility and upgraded road aim to foster economic and social integration within East Africa by reducing travel costs, improving trade efficiencies, and enhancing transport services.
Transforming Eastern Uganda and Beyond
Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Executive Director Allen Kagina lauded the project’s transformative potential, noting, “This initiative is key to unlocking the economic potential of eastern Uganda and improving regional connectivity.”
Political leaders in the Sebei sub-region have echoed this sentiment. Solomon Alinga Chelangat, Member of Parliament for T’oo County, Bukwo, expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure, highlighting its role in improving access to markets and services.
Evelyn Chelangat, Woman MP for Bukwo District, described the project as a “game-changer” for local trade and livelihoods.
Residents in Bukwo have reported significant improvements in their daily lives. The road has drastically reduced travel times, easing the movement of goods and people between Bukwo, Kenya, and neighbouring towns like Mbale.
Julius Kiprop, an elder in the region, reflected on past challenges: “Before the construction of this road, we had to travel long hours through Kitale, Kenya, to Busia before accessing the rest of the country.”
Annet Chemutai, Chairperson of the Suam Women Border Traders Association, noted the project’s impact on trade, stating, “Bukwo, particularly Suam, has been opened to external markets. Kenyan traders now access the area more easily, increasing foreign exchange earnings.”
A Regional Game-Changer
The project, implemented by the China State Engineering Corporation and supervised by UNRA, cost $105.76 million (Shs390 billion).
The funding was provided jointly by the African Development Bank and the Government of Uganda.
This flagship initiative represents a significant step towards regional integration, trade facilitation, and economic growth.
The new infrastructure is poised to drive long-term development, boost local economies, and strengthen connectivity across East Africa’s borders.
The Kapchorwa-Suam road and Suam border point stand as symbols of progress, offering the region new opportunities for growth and development.