Govt reaffirms strong partnership with Islamic Development Bank

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The Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its strong partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) as the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project comes to a close.

Speaking at the LEGS closure workshop on behalf of the local government ministry, permanent secretary, ministry undersecretary Hajji Sewante M. Kaliphan emphasised that all project assets must remain under the ownership of local governments, which will be responsible for their long-term maintenance and sustainability.

Hajji Sewante praised the project’s teamwork, accountability and visible impact, and thanked IsDB for its unwavering support, calling on development partners to continue investing in Uganda, where many communities still lack essential services.

LEGS project co-ordinator Eng. Paul Mukasa Kasule lauded government entities, development partners, district leaders and communities for their steadfast commitment since inception. 

Representing the Islamic Development Bank, country operations manager Mouchili Moyoua commended the LEGS project for its outstanding performance. He branded it as a Human Dignity project with its exceptional collaboration witnessed across all levels from the Ministry of Local Government to district teams, schools, and communities. 

He said the Bank is highly satisfied with the achievements recorded and stressed that the strong relationships established under LEGS are a unique strength not commonly seen in other projects. Moyoua expressed appreciation to the Government of Uganda for its trust in IsDB and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to continued partnership, especially as the project prepares to scale from 17 to 55 districts.

Implemented in 17 districts under Phase I, the project has delivered transformative investments across agriculture, infrastructure, financial inclusion and community enterprise support. Following the positive outcomes, the Government and the development partners have confirmed that LEGS Phase II will scale up interventions to 55 districts, expanding the reach of economic opportunities and strengthening local development across Uganda.

Eight piped water systems, largely gravity flow schemes, have been completed in the districts of Alebtong, Bunyangabu, Gomba, Kabarole, Katakwi, Kumi, Kyenjojo, and Ntoroko. Together, these systems provide safe and reliable water to over 63,000 residents, significantly reducing water shortages and improving health outcomes.

From the Alanyi Gravity Flow Scheme in Alebtong to the Nyakatoke System in Ntoroko, communities that previously relied on unsafe water sources now have consistent access to clean water, easing the workload on women and children.

To combat the effects of climate variability, LEGS has invested in five major irrigation and water-for-production facilities across Gomba, Katakwi, Kumi, Nakaseke, and Ntoroko. Key projects such as the Lwakibira Earth Dam, Palam Multipurpose Irrigation Scheme, and Kajamaka Earth Dam now serve more than 57,600 people.

These facilities ensure year-round water availability for crops and livestock, supporting stable production cycles and boosting farmer incomes.

Value addition

Nine modern agroprocessing plants have been constructed to strengthen agricultural value chains in oilseeds, maize, rice and coffee. Located in districts such as Alebtong, Bunyangabu, Kumi, Kyenjojo, Nakaseke, and Ntoroko, these facilities include 

-Apaala Oil Seed Extraction Factory – Alebtong

-Rwimi Rice Processing Facility – Bunyangabu

-Kigoyera and Kasiina Maize Processing Plants – Kyenjojo

-Kikwata Coffee Factory – Nakaseke

-Nombe Coffee Factory – Ntoroko

These facilities are helping farmers reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, and access more profitable markets.

Modern milk collection centres

Six fully equipped Milk collection centres have been established in Gomba, Kibuku, Kumi, Kyenjojo, and Nakaseke. With high-capacity milk coolers and reliable power connections, the centres support more than 28,000 dairy farmers, reducing spoilage and strengthening the dairy value chain.

To promote organised trade and enhance local commerce, LEGS has constructed 12 roadside and livestock markets in districts such as Alebtong, Bunyangabu, Katakwi, Kibuku, Kumi, Nakaseke, and Ntoroko. These modern markets now serve over 350,000 people and offer safe, hygienic, and convenient spaces for vendors and buyers.

Solar mini grids expand rural electrification

In a push to enhance clean and affordable energy access, the project has installed five solar mini grids in Gomba, Katakwi, Kumi, Kyenjojo, and Kabarole. The solar systems are powering homes, schools, small businesses, and agroprocessing operations, supporting rural innovation and enterprise growth.

Community access roads

LEGS has upgraded 15 community access roads, totaling more than 150 kilometers, across Alebtong, Bunyangabu, Gomba, Kabarole, Katakwi, Kibuku, Kumi, Kyenjojo, Nakaseke, and Ntoroko. These roads now link farmers to markets, ease access to health centres and schools, and reduce transport costs for more than 200,000 people.

Significant investments include the 33km Gomero–Buwana Road (Nakaseke) and the 30.3km Kyabagamba–Kyetume–Kyayi Road (Gomba), among others that have opened up rural areas to trade, services, and economic opportunities.

With its broad impact across multiple sectors, the LEGS Project continues to strengthen local economies, improve rural service delivery, and empower farmers, traders, and small enterprises. As the Government and its partners move toward LEGS Phase II, more districts are expected to benefit from improved infrastructure and expanded economic opportunities.