Museveni launches construction of 38km Kikorongo-Mpondwe road

President Yoweri Museveni on Saturday officially launched the construction of the 38km Kikorongo-Mpondwe road, a vital route that has long been in a state of disrepair despite its political, social, and economic importance to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Kikorongo-Mpondwe road serves as a strategic corridor for Uganda’s UPDF troops undertaking Operation Shujaa in the DRC and as a critical link for trade between the two nations.

Uganda utilises the road to export agricultural products such as tomatoes, rice, onions, milk, and cattle to the DRC while importing items including motorcycle spare parts, palm oil, and timber.

President Museveni encouraged Ugandans to capitalise on government-built infrastructure like roads and markets to improve their livelihoods by producing and transporting goods for sale.

"As government, we have initiated various infrastructures, but being rich is an individual decision," Museveni emphasised.

The event, held at Kinyamaseke Town Council, was followed by the President presiding over a thanksgiving ceremony at Kaguta Grounds in Nyakatonzi sub-county, Kasese district.

The ceremony honoured Godfrey Kabbyanga, the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, and Wilson Mbadi, the State Minister for Trade.

 Kabbyanga commended the President for launching the road and projected that it would improve the livelihood of people, especially those along the border.

"Our children are going to get jobs, but also we are now sure that trade will be improved since the commodities can now safely reach the DRC," Kabbyanga said.

He also commended the people of Kasese for embracing coffee, which has grown over the years to the extent of almost being second in the entire country.

"That is evidenced by multiple coffee dealers in the district," he said.

Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku, the Bishop of the South Rwenzori Anglican Diocese, pledged that the church, through clergy at all levels, would preach the gospel of growing more coffee in Kasese district and the Rwenzori sub-region at large to achieve overwhelming yields.

"Because coffee has economically sustained the lives of our people for many years, and they are able to pay school fees, buy more land, and take good care of the children," Rev. Baluku said.