Rural Connectivity Boost: Two Major Roads Handed Over in Nakaseke

By Kyeyune Ali

Nakaseke — The Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, has commissioned two major Community Access Roads in Nakaseke District under the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project, marking a significant milestone in the district’s drive toward socio-economic transformation.

The newly completed Shs1.8 billion Gayaza–Kalungu–Mityomere Road (27km) and the Shs2 billion Gomero–Migani–Kagongi–Buwana Road (33.3km) will serve communities in Kinyogoga, Ngoma, Kinoni, Wakyaato and surrounding sub-counties. The roads were officially handed over during a ceremony attended by district leaders and residents.

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 across selected districts.

Kumumanya revealed that over 60 kilometres of roads delivered under the project have already transformed livelihoods in Nakaseke. He noted that improved connectivity has reduced transport costs, attracted new businesses, expanded public transport routes and significantly boosted dairy farming.

“Milk prices have increased from as low as Shs300 to at least Shs800 per litre,” Kumumanya said, attributing the rise to easier market access and growing demand. More than six private milk collection centres have since opened along the corridor, complementing the Buwana Milk Collection Facility.

Since 2019, LEGS has invested Shs13.5 billion in Nakaseke, financing key infrastructure projects including the Kiwoko Maize Milling and Processing Facility, 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 report that improved road connectivity has strengthened trade and increased local revenue collections from Shs2.5 billion to Shs3 billion in the current financial year. The benefiting corridor alone contributes more than 60 percent of total district collections.

Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kiiza Geoffrey welcomed the development, noting that residents who offered land for road construction are already reaping the benefits.

“The connection between Goma and neighbouring sub-counties has eased movement of goods and people, transforming livelihoods,” he said.

Kumumanya urged local leaders and communities to safeguard the investments by maintaining the roads and ensuring their sustainability.

“With proper maintenance and community ownership, these roads will remain a backbone for economic growth in Nakaseke,” he emphasized.