USMID programme adding 'limelight' to cities

Masaka, once a neglected city, has seen a dramatic improvement in its infrastructure, leading some to believe it rivals the capital.

Mubende boasts a network of newly paved roads, while Entebbe's facelift includes improved transportation for residents and tourists alike.

Masaka, once a neglected city, has seen a dramatic improvement in its infrastructure, leading some to believe it rivals the capital.

Mubende Municipality, a predominantly agricultural hub has long been celebrated as a nexus connecting Buganda, Bunyoro, and Tooro Kingdoms.

And yet, until recently, Mubende only had one tarmacked route – the Kampala-Fort portal High way. This has since changed, with USMID.

"We had only one sealed road from Kampala to Kasese. But now most of the roads have been sealed and we now have a new very good order)

Among the infrastructural interventions is an upgrade of 8.5Km of the road network across the municipality," Innocent Ssekiziyivu, Mubende mayor, said.

Meanwhile, under the same program, Masaka City, once a shadow, has been revamped to an eminent, transformed city.

This, according to the Masaka Resident City Commissioner Hudu Hussein has been possible on the account of USMID intervention.

"At one time, this city was almost a Ghost city. Today those who were here, 10 or 5 years ago are amazed by the transformation the infrastructural development in the city," said Hudu.

In the predominantly opposition stronghold of the country, Hudu Hussein anticipates a political shift due to government’s intervention in the area.

"People are appreciating and they will demonstrate this come 2026. Before this, people had thought nothing has been done)

GFX…Some roads that have delivered a new face to Masaka city on account of USMID include; Rehabilitation of Kooki Street (0.166km), Elgin Street/Kampala Road (0.862km), Nyendo Market Circular Road (0.823km) And Nyendo Market Loop (0.310km," he added.

In Entebbe, the modern facelift actualized due to USMID’s intervention has delivered a conducive travel environment to both urban revellers and those transiting outside the country due to its close proximity to Entebbe International Airport.

It has also eased transport for people travelling across to the islands of Kalangala.

Ssemakula Samson, USMID Project Coordinator for Entebbe echoed the facts surrounding USMID Impact in the country's area that hosts an international Airport.

"A total of seven roads have been worked on, installation of road lights systems, drainage systems, construction of Kitooro taxi park project among others. These have been fully constructed in Entebbe," Ssemakula emphasised.

Across the board, officials in Entebbe, Masaka and Mubende point to the marked impact USMID has had on the greening activities within their communities.

"We are trying to create a green town," Mubende Mayor Ssekiziyivu promised.

Local residents across the three urban centers are smiling with joy due to USMID intervention.

Kato Joseph is a business dealer and a born of Mubende, he testifies a changed life from a dusty and nagging municipal to now a world class infrastructure.

"Mubende has changed for the better, we now move easily without any encumbrances," Kato said.