Authors :
Kariisa John Bosco Koy
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3zw79aam
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4v3dbnja
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar2040
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Background:
Transport infrastructure plays a fundamental role in shaping economic performance and business growth in
developing countries through enhanced mobility, improved access to markets and reduced transaction costs. In Uganda,
persistent challenges such as road congestion, poor infrastructure quality and limited connectivity significantly affect
business operations and economic outcomes. These challenges increase transportation costs, delay deliveries, and reduce
overall business productivity.
Method:
This study adopted a mixed-methods review approach, synthesising evidence from Uganda’s National Transport
Master Plan, Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) datasets, and empirical
literature. Quantitative indicators such as travel time, congestion levels, and logistics costs were analysed alongside
qualitative insights from business operators.
Results:
Findings reveal a strong positive relationship between transport infrastructure and business economic impact (r = 0.65,
p < 0.01). Poor infrastructure was associated with increased operational costs, reduced profit margins, and limited business
expansion. Businesses operating in well-developed transport corridors reported improved revenue performance, reduced
logistics costs and enhanced productivity.
Conclusions:
Transport infrastructure significantly influences business economic outcomes in Uganda. Improving road quality,
reducing congestion and investing in integrated transport systems are essential for enhancing business profitability and
national economic growth.
Keywords :
Transport Infrastructure; Economic Impact; Business Performance; Uganda; Logistics; Infrastructure Development
References :
- O. Skorobogatova and I. Kuzmina-Merlino, ‘Transport Infrastructure Development Performance’, Procedia Engineering, vol. 178, pp. 319–329, Jan. 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.01.056.
- J. Muvawala, H. Sebukeera, and K. Ssebulime, ‘Socio-economic impacts of transport infrastructure investment in Uganda: Insight from frontloading expenditure on Uganda’s urban roads and highways’, Research in Transportation Economics, vol. 88, p. 100971, Sep. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.retrec.2020.100971.
- S. Alotaibi, M. Quddus, C. Morton, and M. Imprialou, ‘Transport investment, railway accessibility and their dynamic impacts on regional economic growth’, Research in Transportation Business & Management, vol. 43, p. 100702, 2022.
- L. Garcia-Alonso, J. Monios, and J. Á. Vallejo-Pinto, ‘Port competition through hinterland accessibility: the case of Spain’, Maritime Economics & Logistics, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 258–277, 2019.
- H. Haider, ‘The Bottom Billion in Africa: Poverty Trends and Forecasts’, The Institute of Development Studies and Partner Organisations, report, Nov. 2020. Accessed: Mar. 30, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/articles/report/The_Bottom_Billion_in_Africa_Poverty_Trends_and_Forecasts/26427088/1
- ‘Strength and Durability Characteristics of Sustainable Pavement Base Course Stabilized with Cement Bypass Dust and Spent Fluid Catalytic Cracking Catalyst’. Accessed: Mar. 30, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.mdpi.com/2412-3811/9/12/217
- V. Foster, N. Gorgulu, S. Straub, and M. Vagliasindi, The impact of infrastructure on development outcomes. World Bank Washington, DC, 2023.
- C. Sénquiz-Díaz, ‘Transport infrastructure quality and logistics performance in exports’, ECONOMICS-Innovative and Economics Research Journal, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 107–124, 2021.
- M. S. Stewart, ‘Assessing the Sustainability of Urban Transport Infrastructure in Uganda: Challenges, opportunities and Strategies’.
- H. Meersman and M. Nazemzadeh, ‘The contribution of transport infrastructure to economic activity: The case of Belgium’, Case studies on transport policy, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 316–324, 2017.
- T. Olalekan Ahmed, ‘Exploring the Impact of Infrastructural Deficiencies on Logistics Efficiency in Nigeria.’, 2025.
Background:
Transport infrastructure plays a fundamental role in shaping economic performance and business growth in
developing countries through enhanced mobility, improved access to markets and reduced transaction costs. In Uganda,
persistent challenges such as road congestion, poor infrastructure quality and limited connectivity significantly affect
business operations and economic outcomes. These challenges increase transportation costs, delay deliveries, and reduce
overall business productivity.
Method:
This study adopted a mixed-methods review approach, synthesising evidence from Uganda’s National Transport
Master Plan, Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) datasets, and empirical
literature. Quantitative indicators such as travel time, congestion levels, and logistics costs were analysed alongside
qualitative insights from business operators.
Results:
Findings reveal a strong positive relationship between transport infrastructure and business economic impact (r = 0.65,
p < 0.01). Poor infrastructure was associated with increased operational costs, reduced profit margins, and limited business
expansion. Businesses operating in well-developed transport corridors reported improved revenue performance, reduced
logistics costs and enhanced productivity.
Conclusions:
Transport infrastructure significantly influences business economic outcomes in Uganda. Improving road quality,
reducing congestion and investing in integrated transport systems are essential for enhancing business profitability and
national economic growth.
Keywords :
Transport Infrastructure; Economic Impact; Business Performance; Uganda; Logistics; Infrastructure Development