A section of the Prince House Giporoso-Masaka road to be expanded (ARAFAT MUGABO)

For the people of Masaka, Kabuga and Muyumbu in Rwanda, the daily commute often takes longer than it should. A stretch of just 10 km along the Prince House-Giporoso-Masaka road can take half an hour during peak hours. The narrow two-lane artery, clogged with long-haul trucks from the Rwanda-Tanzania border and commuter traffic, has long tested the patience of drivers and pedestrians alike. 

In May, a long-awaited announcement finally arrived. Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure confirmed plans to expand the road from two lanes to four, adding a 1.2-km flyover at Giporoso-Remera and an underpass to keep traffic flowing smoothly.  

The $60.5 million (Rwf86 billion) project will be fully funded by China, a testament to the deepening friendship and cooperation between the two nations. For many residents, it signals the end of years of lost time and daily frustration. 

Jeanette Uwimana, a shopkeeper in Remera who has run her small grocery for 15 years, anticipates that once the road is complete, she will no longer have to close her shop early to beat the traffic back to Masaka.  

“Sometimes I spend more time in traffic than with my children,” she said. “Hearing that China is funding this project gave me hope. We’ll finally get home before dark.” 

Her sentiments were echoed by many along the route. Kabuga taxi driver Emmanuel Nkurunziza said he spends so much time in jams that some customers prefer to walk or use motor taxis rather than hire his cab. “A smooth road with more lanes means I can carry more passengers, make more money, and get home earlier,” he smiled.  

“We are eagerly waiting for this to happen and the road with four lanes will surely change our lives and businesses,” he added  

An artery for commerce 

The Prince House-Masaka corridor is not just a commuter route; it’s a vital economic lifeline. It connects Kigali City Centre to the Kigali Special Economic Zone, the Chinese-funded Masaka Hospital, the Kigali International Airport, the Masaka Inland Port, and several institutions along the way. Freight trucks use it to transport goods from the airport and industrial zones to markets across Rwanda and beyond. 

But for years, it has also been a source of frustration. Freight trucks, buses, and cars compete for space on the narrow two-lane road, creating bottlenecks that can stretch for kilometres. Journeys that should take minutes often take an hour. The planned expansion will introduce a four-lane configuration - two lanes in each direction - allowing vehicles to move more freely. 

“The flyover will let some vehicles bypass the congested junction, while others can use the underpass,” said Imena Munyampenda of the Rwanda Transport Development Agency. “It will save time and cut costs for everyone.” 

For then Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun, the project is more than just a road. 

“With the rapid growth of Rwanda’s economy and the rising number of vehicles, traffic congestion delays business and limits Kigali’s potential,” he said. “The road expansion will cut commuting time, reduce costs, and better connect economic zones, hospitals, markets, and homes.” 

Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Murangwa Yusuf emphasised that the road is part of a wider strategy to decongest Kigali and boost economic productivity. “The road will link Kigali City Centre to the Special Economic Zone and the Masaka Inland Port, reducing both time and cost of transport,” he said. “We appreciate the support from the government of China and look forward to strengthening our cooperation.” 

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and be completed by July 2028. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning has already allocated funds for expropriation, ensuring residents and businesses along the route can be fairly compensated and relocated before work begins. 

Every commuter along this road has a personal story. For students like 19-year-old Clarisse, who attends university in Kigali but lives in Muyumbu, the road congestion is more than an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to learning. 

“There are days I miss morning lectures because the taxi is stuck in traffic,” she said. “If the road is improved, it will change everything. I’ll reach the school on time, and have more energy to study.” 

For small business owners in Kabuga, the expansion means more customers. “Many customers avoid my workshop because they dread the traffic. With a better road, more buyers will come,” said Jean Bosco, a carpenter.  

Even health care access will improve. Masaka Hospital often receives patients in critical condition whose ambulances were trapped in jams. “In an emergency, every second counts,” said nurse Alice Mukamana. “Quicker access will save lives.” 

Optimistic mood 

Today, frustration is giving way to anticipation. As news of the project spreads, conversations in markets, bus stops, and roadside cafés are tinged with excitement. “I never thought I’d see change,” admits taxi driver Emmanuel. “But if China is behind it, I believe it will happen. I’ve seen their projects before.” 

In many ways, the project is more than mere infrastructure. It is a symbol of deepening Rwanda-China cooperation. Leaders in both countries view it as part of a bigger plan to create efficient, modern cities that drive economic growth and regional connectivity. 

When the flyover and underpass are complete, commuters will no longer crawl their way through Giporoso’s notorious bottleneck. Freight trucks will move efficiently between the airport, industrial zones, and inland ports. Families will have more time together, and businesses will cut travel-related losses. 

For a road that has been a source of daily headaches, the transformation will be nothing short of life-changing. 

Ambassador Wang summed it up perfectly: “Infrastructure is about people. It’s about connecting them to opportunities, services, and each other. This project is a helping hand from the people of China to the people of Rwanda, and its impact will be felt for generations.” 

As the sun dips behind Masaka and the traffic clogs the narrow lanes again, there’s a new feeling in the air: the belief that better days are just ahead - and they’re arriving on four lanes.