Museveni Directs Use of Local Content in Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi–Kisoro Road Project

KABALE — President Museveni has directed the contractors of the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi–Kisoro–Mgahinga road project to prioritise the use of local content in the execution of the Shs112 billion infrastructure upgrade.

The directive was delivered by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa during the official groundbreaking ceremony held in Kabale Municipality.

The project, which is expected to last 36 months, aims to improve transport connectivity, support regional tourism, and facilitate access to markets for farmers and traders in the Kigezi sub-region.

Museveni commended the contractors — Samcrete Engineers and Contractors SE and C — for undertaking the project and showcasing their expertise.

However, he urged them to ensure meaningful involvement of local communities through labour, materials, and services.

“This project will boost the socio-economic development of Uganda by improving access to infrastructure, enhancing market linkages, and strengthening regional integration and tourism,” Museveni said in his address.

He also called on local leaders and residents to embrace the development, urging those living near the project site to seek employment and supply opportunities.

“I appeal to local leaders to support the successful implementation and completion of this project,” the President added.

Works and Transport Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala revealed that the African Development Bank is funding 85% of the project, while the Ugandan government will cover the remaining 15%, mainly for compensation of affected persons.

He noted that about 97% of those affected had already been compensated.

Eng. Ivan Batuma, chairperson of the Kigezi Tourism Cluster, welcomed the development, saying road infrastructure was essential for unlocking the full potential of the region’s tourism circuit.

He stressed the need for additional air travel facilities to complete the connectivity puzzle.

The Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi–Kisoro–Mgahinga road project is seen as a critical enabler for tourism in southwestern Uganda, particularly around the scenic Lake Bunyonyi and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.