President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday commissioned a series of completed road infrastructure projects worth Shs 53 billion in Kasese Municipality, constructed under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program.
The roads commissioned Rwenzori Road, Bus Circular Road, 3rd Street, Kitalikubi Road, Park Rise, Stanley Road, Margarita Road, Rukidi III–Port Circular, Crescent Road, Mandela Road, Total Road, Mboghoyabo, and Lincoln Road represent a major milestone in Kasese’s urban transformation and transportation efficiency.
“These developments show that the NRM government is not about empty promises. We do what we say and say what we mean,” President Museveni stated.
In addition to the road network, the municipality has benefited from complementary infrastructure aimed at fostering a modern, resilient urban environment. These include upgraded drainage systems, green spaces for climate resilience, a solid waste management system complete with a garbage truck, trained municipal staff, and infrastructure committees that link communities directly to government initiatives.
President Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s developmental challenge lies not in a lack of commitment, but in scattered thinking and the pursuit of instant gratification by various actors.
“Our problem has never been about lacking ideas it’s about failing to prioritize. The Bible says, ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God and all other things shall be added unto you.’ You cannot do everything at once. Transformation works in sequence. The NRM starts with what matters most,” he explained.
He underscored that the foundation of Uganda’s development was built through a deliberate focus on national security.
“When we came into power, even our soldiers lived in grass-thatched huts. But we prioritized building and equipping the army. A soldier in a grass-thatched house can still protect you if he has a gun,” the President said, noting how Uganda’s military strength grew from a force of 8,000 under Idi Amin to a modern, professional army.
President Museveni also cautioned leaders, both political and religious, against making unrealistic promises in pursuit of popularity.
“Start with the poor. Jesus said, ‘When I was hungry, you did not feed me.’ Roads are essential, and we shall build more, but we must do things in order. That is the wisdom behind sustainable development,” he said.
He reaffirmed the NRM’s development strategy: “Security first, then roads and transport, followed by electricity to power the private sector, and education for our children.”
The President concluded with a call for unity and discipline among leaders and communities: “Let us stop working in fragments. One by one makes a bundle. With discipline and prioritization, we shall continue transforming Uganda.”
Minister Nabakooba: Kasese a Model for Urban Transformation
The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, lauded the impact of the infrastructure projects in Kasese, calling them a model for sustainable urban development.
“With great pride and appreciation, we welcome Your Excellency to Kasese for this milestone event. Your presence is a testament to the NRM’s unwavering commitment to urban transformation,” she said.
Minister Nabakooba praised Kasese Municipality for its strong performance under the USMID program, citing significant improvements not just in road networks, but in overall urban amenities and economic opportunities.
“These developments include improved drainage, climate-resilient green spaces, a modern waste management system, well-trained municipal staff, and community-linked infrastructure committees,” she noted.
Highlighting tangible economic benefits, she said: “When we began work here, local revenue stood at just Shs 399 million. Today, it’s at Shs 1.4 billion, with potential to triple through digitized systems. This shows how infrastructure investment directly empowers the local economy.”
She also pointed to enhanced street lighting and security as key enablers of a thriving night economy.
“The Lincoln and Stanley Roads once in terrible condition are now hubs of vibrant business activity even after dark. This is the power of strategic infrastructure,” she said.
Kasese’s recent recognition as a top performer at the National Urban Conference was a source of pride, she added, urging residents to maintain and make good use of the new infrastructure.
She revealed that over 70 kilometers of roads have been upgraded, modern council offices established, and traffic lights installed to improve mobility. These developments, she said, have strengthened public service delivery and created safer, more dynamic urban spaces.
“With continued discipline, innovation, and community engagement, Kasese is on track to become a beacon of urban excellence,” she concluded.
Mayor Kahindo: Infrastructure as a Symbol of Progress
Kasese Municipality Mayor, Chance Kahindo, expressed deep appreciation for the government’s investment, calling the road projects a symbol of accountability, progress, and trust in local leadership.
“It is an honor to welcome Your Excellency to Kasese for the commissioning of these transformative road projects. This investment reflects the government’s confidence in our municipality and our shared vision for a modern town,” he said.
He explained that Kasese Municipality includes Central and Nyamwamba Divisions, both of which have directly benefited from the road upgrades.
“Out of the Shs 53 billion allocated, Shs 49 billion was invested directly into road construction,” he noted.
The Mayor proudly reported that Kasese was ranked among the best-performing municipalities in the recent USMID assessment, especially for its efficient use of public funds.
“With such a clean and transparent record, I strongly advocate for Kasese to be prioritized in future government development programs,” he added.
The Source Reports.
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