Museveni commissions USMID-funded roads in Kasese

____________________

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday commissioned a series of completed road infrastructure projects worth sh53b in Kasese Municipality, Kasese district.

They were built under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme.

The commissioned roads mark a significant boost to Kasese’s urban transformation and transport efficiency.

They include 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.

“These developments demonstrate that the NRM government is not about empty promises. We do what we say and say what we mean," said President Museveni, according to a statement from his press team (PPU).

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. (PPU)

'Clear sequence'

In addition to the roads, Kasese Municipality has benefited from complementary infrastructure designed to support a modern and resilient urban environment.

These include upgraded drainage systems, green spaces to enhance climate resilience, a solid waste management system complete with a garbage truck, trained municipal staff, and infrastructure committees linking communities directly to government efforts.

Museveni said the real challenge facing national development is not lack of commitment but scattered thinking and the pursuit of instant gratification by various actors.

“Our problem has never been ideas; it is the lack of prioritisation," he said.

"The Bible says, ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God and all other things shall be added unto you.’ You want to do everything at once, but that’s not how transformation works. The NRM has always followed a clear sequence: we start with what matters most."

Religious leaders present at the event. (PPU)

Museveni also noted that the foundation of Uganda’s development was laid through a deliberate focus on security.

“When we took over, even soldiers lived in grass-thatched huts. But we prioritised building the army and equipping it. A soldier in a grass-thatched house can still protect you if he has a gun.

“That’s how we built a strong force from a time when Uganda had barely 8,000 soldiers under Idi Amin."

The President also cautioned both political and religious leaders against seeking cheap popularity by promising to do everything at once.

“Start with the poor. Jesus said, ‘When I was hungry, you didn’t feed me.’ Roads are important, yes, and we shall build more, but we must do things in order. That is the wisdom of sustainable development."

He reaffirmed the NRM’s development philosophy, saying: “Security first, then roads and transport, then electricity for the private sector, education for our children and others.”

Museveni 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 prioritisation, we shall continue to transform Uganda.”

'Vibrant business activity'

On her part, lands minister Judith Nabakooba applauded the transformative impact of the funded infrastructure projects in Kasese Municipality, calling them a symbol of progress and a model for urban development.

She said Kasese Municipality joined the USMID programme with ambition and has since emerged as one of the top-performing urban centres in Uganda, citing that these investments have not only improved road networks but have also ushered in a wave of modern amenities and economic opportunities.

Lands minister Judith Nabakooba. (PPU)

“These projects go far beyond roads. Kasese now boasts proper drainage systems, green spaces that enhance climate resilience, a comprehensive solid waste management strategy, including a modern garbage truck, trained and empowered municipal staff, infrastructure committees that strengthen community-government engagement."

Nabakooba also highlighted the tangible economic results already visible in the municipality.

“When we started working with Kasese, local revenue was at just sh399m. Today, it stands at sh1.4b, with the potential to triple through digitised systems. This is a clear indicator that infrastructure investment leads directly to economic empowerment."

The lands minister also pointed to improved street lighting and enhanced security, which have given rise to a vibrant night economy.

“The Lincoln and Stanley Road, which we are standing on today, was once in a terrible state, but today, thanks to this infrastructure upgrade, there is vibrant business activity even at night. That shows how infrastructure can unlock growth and transform livelihoods."

She also commended Kasese for emerging as a top performer at the recent National Urban Conference and urged residents to use the new infrastructure wisely.

She said that over 70 kilometres of roads have been upgraded, the municipality has secured modern council offices, and traffic mobility has improved with the installation of traffic lights.

(PPU)

(PPU)

(PPU)

According to the minister, these changes have strengthened public service delivery and fostered safer, more dynamic urban spaces.

“With continued discipline, innovation, and community engagement, Kasese is on a clear path to becoming a beacon of urban excellence."

Kasese Municipality mayor, Chance Kahindo, praised the successful implementation of road infrastructure, describing it as a symbol of accountability, urban progress, and government commitment to local development.

"This investment is a reflection of the government’s trust in our municipality and our shared vision of a modern, well-planned town,” he said.

Kahindo said the key divisions within the municipality, including Central Division and Nyamwamba, have directly benefited from the upgraded road networks.

“Out of the sh53b allocated to Kasese, sh49b was spent directly on road construction,” he said, adding that Kasese was recognised nationally for its efficient use of funds.

“During the recent USMID assessment exercise, Kasese was ranked among the best-performing municipalities in terms of saving public funds and applying them effectively."

“With such a clean record, I strongly advocate for Kasese to be prioritised for future government development support,” added the mayor.