Iganga, Uganda: Iganga District Local Government has launched the rehabilitation of a key 10-kilometre road in Kidago Sub-county under a Shs110.5 million project aimed at improving transport, easing access to social services, and boosting agricultural productivity.
The road project, which commenced on June 5, 2026, is being implemented under the district’s road maintenance programme financed through the Central Government’s annual allocation of Shs1 billion for road works.
District leaders officially flagged off the project at Naibiri in Bukerekere Parish, with residents welcoming what many described as a long-awaited intervention on a road that has for years hampered movement of people, goods and services.
The rehabilitation works will be undertaken through the Force Account Mechanism and are expected to be completed by July 30, 2026.
According to district engineers, the project will involve swamp raising, gravelling and other improvement works aimed at enhancing the road’s durability, particularly during rainy seasons when several sections become impassable.
The launch was led by Iganga District Chairperson Isabirye Shabiru Kalulu and attended by Assistant Resident District Commissioner Caroline Kiwala, District Engineer Wilberforce Mbatya, Engineer Sebandeke, the District Internal Security Officer, District Community Development Officer, Labour Officer, local leaders and residents.
Speaking during the launch, Kalulu said the road project demonstrates government’s commitment to improving livelihoods through infrastructure development.
“The time for politicking is over. Let us now concentrate on serving our people and ensuring that government programmes benefit the communities they are intended to serve. Let us work together for the people, regardless of political differences,” Kalulu said.
He noted that reliable road infrastructure remains critical in connecting farmers to markets, facilitating trade and improving access to education and healthcare services.
Assistant RDC Caroline Kiwala commended the district engineering department for its performance and urged project managers to prioritise local labour during implementation so that residents can directly benefit from the investment.
She also issued a stern warning against theft and misuse of road construction materials.
“The sale of marram and fuel designated for road construction negatively affects service delivery and the quality of the road. Anyone found engaging in such practices will be arrested, and there will be no bond,” Kiwala warned.
Kalulu reminded residents of the hardships they had endured because of the poor state of the road and called upon the community to protect the new infrastructure once completed.
He specifically cautioned sugarcane transporters against dumping cane residues along the road, saying blocked drainage systems often contribute to rapid deterioration of road surfaces.
District Engineer Wilberforce Mbatya assured residents that the project would be executed according to the required standards and appealed for cooperation from the community to ensure timely completion.
Engineer Sebandeke explained that the road upgrade will have a direct impact on socio-economic development by improving access to markets, schools and health facilities while reducing transport costs for farmers and traders.
“The improved road will help farmers transport their produce more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses and improve access to essential services,” Sebandeke said.
Local leaders welcomed the project but also used the opportunity to raise other development concerns affecting the area.
Kidago Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Frank Mwangwa appealed to district leaders and government to upgrade the area’s Health Centre II to Health Centre III status in order to improve maternal and general healthcare services.
“We ask that the only Health Centre II we have be elevated to a Health Centre III because this sub-county has many people, especially mothers, yet the available services are not sufficient. We also ask government to extend electricity to this area,” Mwangwa said.
Residents pledged to support district authorities during implementation and expressed optimism that the road would transform economic activity in the area.
Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to improve connectivity within Kidago Sub-county, lower transport costs, facilitate trade and contribute to broader socio-economic transformation across Iganga District.
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