Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and his counterpart from the Democratic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi have launched the construction of road projects between the two countries.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the works took place in Uganda’s western border town of Mpondwe in Kasese district and Kasindi in the DR Congo's North Kivu province.

In a joint statement, the two heads of state said the developments would transform the lives of the people in the two countries.

They emphasised the importance of strengthening co-operation in areas of security, energy, trade and investment, management of trans-boundary waters, petroleum and minerals.

In May this year, the two countries signed an agreement for three roads projects totalling 223km (138 miles).

Uganda will contribute 20% of the total cost of the project estimated at $334.5m (£239m) and its soldiers will protect the contractors. DR Congo will meet the rest of the costs.

The Ugandan parliament has already approved $62m to fund it.