Authors : Kariisa John Bosco Koy

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4uh6xh85

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/5e6sc4yp

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan1589

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 is a central determinant of economic growth and business performance. In Uganda particularly within Kampala Metropolitan Area (KMA) road congestion, deteriorating infrastructure, limited connectivity, and high transport costs significantly limit the ability of businesses to reach customers, access inputs, and expand into new markets.  Method: A mixed-methods review synthesising evidence from Uganda’s National Transport Master Plan, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) traffic surveys, UBOS mobility statistics, and peer-reviewed studies on transport accessibility. The review integrates qualitative insights from business owners with quantitative transport indicators including travel time, congestion intensity, and accessibility indices.  Results: Transport quality strongly influences market accessibility. Firms located along well-maintained, high-capacity corridors reported reduced delivery time, higher customer reach, and improved supply-chain efficiency. Congestion hotspots particularly along Jinja Road, Busega-Kampala corridor, and Kisenyi terminals were associated with delays of 3090 minutes per trip. Poor road surfaces, inadequate drainage, and limited multimodal options significantly hindered market access.  Conclusions: Market accessibility challenges in Uganda stem from inadequate road maintenance, chronic congestion, limited public transport integration, and insufficient commercial transport infrastructure. Improving road quality, expanding multimodal networks, and implementing decongestion strategies are essential for strengthening economic competitiveness and business growth.

Keywords : Transport Infrastructure; Market Accessibility; Uganda; Road Networks; Urban Mobility; Economic Competitiveness.

References :

1. O. Skorobogatova and I. Kuzmina-Merlino, ‘Transport Infrastructure Development Performance’, RelStat-2016 Proc. 16th Int. Sci. Conf. Reliab. Stat. Transp. Commun. Oct. 19-22 2016 Transp. Telecommun. Inst. Riga Latv., vol. 178, pp. 319–329, Jan. 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.01.056.
2. G. Young, ‘The State and the Origins of Informal Economic Activity: Insights from Kampala’, Urban Forum, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 407–423, Dec. 2019, doi: 10.1007/s12132-019-09372-6.
3. A. (Avi) Ceder, ‘Urban mobility and public transport: future perspectives and review’, Int. J. Urban Sci., vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 455–479, Oct. 2021, doi: 10.1080/12265934.2020.1799846.
4. 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’, Transp. Infrastruct. Invest. Eval. Reg. Econ. Growth, vol. 88, p. 100971, Sep. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.retrec.2020.100971.
5. S. Mokgopha and R. Shambare, ‘The Role of Infrastructure Development in Enhancing BRICS Trade Relations’, in Analyzing the Impact of BRICS+ Nations’ Trade Policies on Global Economies, IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025, pp. 145–174. Accessed: Jan. 30, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/the-role-of-infrastructure-development-in-enhancing-brics-trade-relations/371507
6. N. Gorgulu, V. Foster, S. Straub, and M. Vagliasindi, The Impact of Infrastructure on Development Outcomes: A Qualitative Review of Four Decades of Literature. Washington, DC: World Bank, 2023. doi: 10.1596/1813-9450-10343.
7. G. Albertzeth, I. N. Pujawan, P. Hilletofth, and B. Tjahjono, ‘Mitigating transportation disruptions in a supply chain: a cost-effective strategy’, Int. J. Logist. Res. Appl., vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 139–158, Mar. 2020, doi: 10.1080/13675567.2019.1648640.
8. H. Ataburo, G. E. Ampong, and D. Essuman, ‘Developing operational resilience to navigate transportation disruptions: the role and boundaries of efficiency priority’, Ann. Oper. Res., vol. 340, no. 2, pp. 723–755, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.1007/s10479-024-06092-4.
9. T. Allen and C. Arkolakis, ‘The Welfare Effects of Transportation Infrastructure Improvements’, Rev. Econ. Stud., vol. 89, no. 6, pp. 2911–2957, Nov. 2022, doi: 10.1093/restud/rdac001.