Bridges to prosperity: USMID transforms communities in refugee-hosting districts
The Ugandan government, through the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program, is transforming communities in refugee-hosting districts by funding essential projects that local governments would not otherwise be able to afford.
These projects include new roads, bridges, and markets, which are improving lives, reducing travel times, and boosting local businesses.
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One example of USMID's impact is the Nyungu to Rwempaju cross-drainage structure in Isingiro district. This structure has significantly eased movement between Isingiro and Rakai districts, especially for school children and the local community.
"Our children couldn't go to school when it rained," said Kahonda Lauben, Chairperson LC 1. "We are thankful to USMID for this crossing. We can now move easily to and from the village across."
The Nyungu to Rwempaju cross-drainage structure has eased movement for students and traders. Photo by Julius Kitone.
Vincent Musiime, the USMID supervisor in Isingiro, highlighted the project's benefits:
"The structure has benefited the community in such a way that pupils who previously travelled over 7 kilometres to access a school can now reach it in just 800 metres. Additionally, people from Rushasha can now easily access the market on the Rakai side, and vice versa."
Isingiro has benefited significantly from USMID, with 82 kilometres of road, three markets, and two resource centres already completed. Similarly, in Kiryandongo, the program has successfully constructed bridges worth 4.9 billion shillings, including 11.8 kilometres along the Alaro-Ongwalwo-Laboke Road and 18 kilometres through the Karuma-Okweche-Alero Swamp.
For the Kiryandongo District Engineer, Emmanuel Niyonzima, the USMID funding has enabled communities to benefit from some capital-intensive projects they would otherwise not have afforded using the local revenue funding.
"The district had been unable to construct the road through the swamp since its inception," explained Emmanuel Niyonzima, the Kiryandongo District Engineer. "But with USMID's intervention, we were able to build a bridge and several roads."
Social welfare improvements widespread
Across the three districts of Isingiro, Kamwenge, and Kiryandongo, a total of 24 projects have been implemented. These districts are part of the 11 Local Governments supported by the USMID program.
According to Annet Kobusinge, the USMID Focal Person for Kamwenge, "After a full year of implementation, six of the eight projects in our district have been fully completed, with the remaining two nearing completion at 87%."
A playground constructed under the USMID project in Kamwenge. Photo by Julius Kitone.
Refugee-hosting communities have also benefitted from modern recreational facilities constructed by USMID, which aim to foster talent development.
"The playground alone cost approximately 3.8 billion shillings to complete," Kobusinge noted.
The program has also had a significant positive impact on the social welfare of many residents. One beneficiary is 100-year-old Florence Nyamikyo, who was relocated from a dilapidated house to a modern one with an improved latrine and a refurbished graveyard as compensation for displacement caused by road construction.
100-year-old Florence Nyamikyo. In the background, the house she received from USMID. By Julius Kitone.
"Only God knows how happy I am," Nyamikyo said. "I was constantly worried that my old house would collapse on me."
The Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, commended USMID for its positive impact on communities across the country.
"We thank the Ugandan government, especially the President, for allowing us as the ministry to undertake this program," Nabakooba said.
"There is a clear positive impact, not only on the part of the government, but also on the part of the communities."
