Kisoro, Uganda – The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, today officially launched the 18.1 km Kisoro–Mgahinga Tourism Road Project on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s infrastructure development and tourism promotion.
The 36-month project, awarded to Samcrete Engineers & Contractors, will tarmac both the Kisoro–Mgahinga and Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi tourism roads at a combined cost of UGX 112 billion. The African Development Bank (AfDB) is funding 80% of the project, while the Government of Uganda will cover the remaining 20%.
According to officials, compensation has already been provided to 87 affected residents in Kisoro and 97% of those impacted in Kabale.
At the groundbreaking ceremony held at Shaza Playground in Kisoro Municipality, President Museveni—represented by Rt. Hon. Tayebwa—stressed the project’s potential to enhance tourism and stimulate local economies. He thanked Uganda’s development partners for their ongoing support and urged locals to take full advantage of the project to fight poverty.
The President further advised contractors to employ local labor and procure materials locally, promoting community involvement and ownership. He warned against vandalism and sabotage, encouraging residents to report such activities. He also cautioned young women against engaging in risky behavior with project workers to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, emphasized the project’s far-reaching economic benefits and encouraged residents to explore both direct and indirect income opportunities during and after construction. He called on local leaders to be actively involved in the project’s success.
Kisoro LCV Chairperson, Abel Bizimana, lauded the government for prioritizing the Kisoro–Mgahinga road, citing its role in boosting tourism and improving accessibility. He proposed the construction of the Nteko–Buhoma road as an alternative route and requested additional tarmacking for sections leading to St. Peter’s Gisoro Catholic Church and from Travellers Hotel to Shaza Playground.
Area leaders including Bufumbira South MP Hon. Eng. Alex Niyonsaba Seruganda, Kisoro District Woman MP Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, and LC3 Chairperson Central Division, Ndikuyeze Ramathan, encouraged locals to start small businesses—such as chapati stalls and roadside hotels—along the new road to benefit from increased traffic and economic activity.
