By Johannah Nantongo
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has officially inaugurated two newly completed Community Access Roads in Nakaseke District constructed under the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project.
The LEGS initiative, implemented by the Government of Uganda with backing from the Lives and Livelihoods Fund and the Islamic Development Bank, is designed to enhance production, improve value addition, and strengthen market linkages in selected districts across the country.
The newly commissioned roads include the 27-kilometre Gayaza–Kalungu–Mityomere Road built at a cost of Shs1.8 billion and the 33.3-kilometre Gomero–Migani–Kagongi–Buwana Road constructed for Shs2 billion. The road network connects key sub-counties such as Kinyogoga, Ngoma, Kinoni, and Wakyaato, improving mobility for residents and businesses.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Kumumanya highlighted that more than 60 kilometres of roads completed under the project have significantly lowered transportation expenses, stimulated business growth, and improved access to public transport services. He noted that the dairy sector has particularly benefited, with farm-gate milk prices rising from about Shs300 to at least Shs800 per litre. The improved roads have also attracted over six privately owned milk collection centres along the corridor, in addition to the Buwana Milk Collection Facility.
Since 2019, the LEGS programme has invested approximately Shs13.5 billion in Nakaseke District. Key projects funded include the Kiwoko maize milling and processing facility, the Kikwata Kimika coffee processing plant, construction of roadside market stalls, installation of a solar mini-grid in Nakalango, establishment of biogas demonstration sites, and development of the Lugogo Swamp water pipeline.
District authorities report that improved infrastructure has strengthened trade and boosted local revenue collections, which have increased from Shs2.5 billion to Shs3 billion in the current financial year. More than 60 percent of this revenue is attributed to economic activity along the upgraded road corridor.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kiiza Geoffrey praised the community members who offered land for the road construction, noting that they are already experiencing the benefits of improved connectivity. He added that the new links have eased travel between Goma and neighbouring sub-counties, creating fresh economic opportunities.
Kumumanya urged local leaders and residents to protect and maintain the infrastructure to ensure lasting socio-economic transformation for the district.