The Relationship Between Transport Infrastructure and Market Accessibility in Uganda

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.