Gov’t hands over Shs3.8Bn roads in Nakaseke

Government has commissioned Shs3.8Bn community access roads in Nakaseke under the LEGS project, boosting dairy farming, trade and local revenue growth.

Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya cuts the ribbon to commission the Gayaza–Kalungu–Mityomere Road in Nakaseke District.

Nakaseke, Uganda: The Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, has commissioned two major Community Access Roads worth Shs3.8 billion in Nakaseke District under the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project.

The Shs1.8 billion Gayaza–Kalungu–Mityomere Road (27km) and the Shs2 billion Gomero–Migani–Kagongi–Buwana Road (33.3km) were officially handed over to serve Kinyogoga, Ngoma, Kinoni, Wakyaato and neighbouring sub-counties.

LEGS, a Government of Uganda initiative supported by the Lives and Livelihoods Fund and the Islamic Development Bank, is designed to enhance production, value addition and market access in selected districts.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Kumumanya said the over 60 kilometres of roads delivered under the project have significantly reduced transport costs, attracted new businesses and expanded access to public transport services.

He highlighted the transformation in the dairy sector, noting that milk prices have increased from as low as Shs300 to at least Shs800 per litre. More than six private milk collection centres have since opened along the corridor, alongside the Buwana Milk Collection Facility.

Since 2019, LEGS has injected Shs13.5 billion into Nakaseke, supporting infrastructure including the Kiwoko Maize Milling and Processing Facility, the Kikwata Kimika Coffee Processing Plant, roadside market sheds, a solar mini-grid in Nakalango, biogas demonstration centres and the Lugogo Swamp Water Pipeline.

District leaders say the improved connectivity has strengthened trade and boosted local revenue from Shs2.5 billion to Shs3 billion in the current financial year, with the benefiting corridor accounting for more than 60 percent of collections.

Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kiiza Geoffrey welcomed the developments, noting that residents who permitted the road passage through their land are already reaping benefits.

He said the new connections have eased movement between Goma and neighbouring sub-counties, accelerating socio-economic transformation.

Kumumanya urged local leaders and communities to protect and maintain the infrastructure to sustain long-term development gains.