The Ministry of Local Government has commissioned two major community access roads worth Shs3.8 billion in Nakaseke District, a development expected to improve market access, lower transport costs, and stimulate local economic activity.
The roads were officially handed over by Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, under the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project, a Government of Uganda initiative supported by the Lives and Livelihoods Fund and the Islamic Development Bank. The project is designed to increase production, promote value addition, and enhance access to markets across selected districts.
The newly completed roads include the 27-kilometre Gayaza–Kalungu–Mityomere Road, constructed at Shs1.8 billion, and the 33.3-kilometre Gomero–Migani–Kagongi–Buwana Road, built at Shs2 billion. The network serves communities in Kinyogoga, Ngoma, Kinoni, Wakyaato, and neighbouring sub-counties.
Speaking during the commissioning, Kumumanya said the over 60 kilometres of roads completed under the LEGS programme in Nakaseke have already begun transforming local livelihoods.
“These roads have reduced transport costs, opened up the area to new businesses, and improved access to public transport. They are also supporting key sectors like dairy farming by making it easier for farmers to deliver their produce to markets,” he said.
District officials reported that the improved road network has significantly strengthened the dairy value chain, with milk prices rising from Shs300 to at least Shs800 per litre. In addition, more than six private milk collection centres have been established along the corridor, complementing the Buwana Milk Collection Facility.
Since 2019, the LEGS project has invested about Shs13.5 billion in Nakaseke District, funding a variety of economic infrastructure projects including the Kiwoko Maize Milling and Processing Facility, Kikwata Kimika Coffee Processing Plant, roadside market shelters, a solar mini-grid at Nakalango, biogas demonstration centres, and the Lugogo Swamp Water Pipeline.
District leaders noted that improved connectivity and supporting infrastructure have boosted trade and local revenue. Nakaseke’s revenue has risen from Shs2.5 billion to Shs3 billion in the current financial year, with the project corridor contributing more than 60 percent.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kiiza Geoffrey praised the roads, noting that communities that contributed land for the projects are already experiencing tangible benefits.
“The new road network has eased movement between Goma and neighbouring sub-counties. Farmers and traders can now transport their goods faster and at a lower cost, which directly improves household incomes,” he said.
Kumumanya urged local leaders and communities to protect the new infrastructure and ensure its sustainability.
“Government has made a significant investment here. It is now the responsibility of the community and local leaders to safeguard these roads, maintain them, and use them to drive socio-economic transformation,” he emphasized.
The LEGS initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to leverage strategic rural infrastructure to stimulate production, enhance value addition, and create lasting economic opportunities for Ugandan communities.
