Plans to expand the Kigali–Muhanga highway and the Prince House–Masaka road have faced prolonged delays, raising concern over stalled implementation and the continued deterioration of key transport corridors.
The 46-kilometre Kigali–Muhanga road, which connects Kigali City to the Southern Province, was scheduled for expansion in 2023. The project was designed in two phases, starting with the Kigali–Bishenyi section in Kamonyi District, followed by Bishenyi–Muhanga.
However, despite earlier expectations, construction has not begun, leaving the busy highway in worsening condition. The project, estimated at over Rwf 140 billion, is intended to ease congestion, improve connectivity, and enhance road safety along one of the country’s most important transport corridors.
Similarly, the 10-kilometre Prince House–Masaka road expansion project, valued at about Rwf 80 million, has also been delayed. Initial plans had set 2022 as the commencement date.
A progress review conducted in April 2026 showed that relocation of utility infrastructure, including electricity lines, internet cables, and water pipes, was still ongoing, further slowing implementation.
Both projects are considered critical for improving mobility, reducing travel time, easing congestion, and lowering accident risks linked to heavy traffic flow.
Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore attributed the delays mainly to setbacks in completing feasibility studies and coordination challenges with implementing partners.
He said procurement processes are now at an advanced stage, with construction expected to begin soon.
“For the Kigali–Muhanga road, delays occurred during the study phase due to issues beyond our control involving implementing partners. We are now at the procurement stage, and works are expected to start by the end of the year,” he said.
On the Prince House–Masaka road, he noted that relocation of existing infrastructure had to be completed before works could begin.
He added that once this process is finalized, construction will start without further major obstacles.
The Kigali–Muhanga road was last rehabilitated in 2000 and was designed for a 20-year lifespan, meaning it has already exceeded its intended service period by about six years.
Members of Parliament have previously raised concerns over repeated delays in major infrastructure projects, urging improved planning to avoid inefficiencies and financial losses.
In 2023, the Chamber of Deputies approved a loan of over Rwf 148 billion from the Export–Import Bank of Korea to finance the rehabilitation and expansion of the Kigali–Muhanga road project.
