President Yoweri Museveni has officially opened a new 7-kilometre road network in Kasese Municipality, marking a major step forward in improving transport and business in the Rwenzori region. The roads, built under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program at a cost of Shs54 billion, are expected to transform the town by easing traffic, boosting trade, and attracting more tourists.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni described the project as a critical investment in Kasese’s future. He assured residents that the government would continue funding road upgrades in the municipality to support economic growth and improve daily life. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We are going to keep supporting Kasese to ensure all major roads are improved for better business, tourism, and general movement.”

The newly upgraded roads—Rwenzori Road, Margherita Road, Stanley Road, and Kitalikibi Road—form a key transport network through the heart of Kasese town. The project included not just road resurfacing but also the installation of streetlights and modern drainage systems. These additions have already made a visible difference, reducing flooding, improving sanitation, and making streets safer at night.

Kasese Mayor Chance Kahindo praised the project for changing the face of the town. He said the improved infrastructure has not only enhanced mobility but also increased local revenue collection as businesses thrive in a more accessible and attractive environment. “These roads have uplifted our municipality,” Kahindo said. “The drainage systems have stopped floods, and the streetlights have made the town more secure. People can now move freely, even in the evenings.”

Local residents have welcomed the changes with enthusiasm. Ali Kusemererwa, a shopkeeper in Kasese town, said the new roads and lighting have extended business hours and boosted sales. “Before, the town was dark and unsafe at night, and customers would leave early,” he said. “Now, with proper lighting and smooth roads, businesses stay open longer, and more people come out to shop.”

Rene Bwambale, another resident, highlighted the improvements in sanitation and flood control. She said the new drainage system has significantly reduced waterlogging during heavy rains, keeping streets cleaner and reducing health risks. “We used to suffer from floods whenever it rained, but now the water flows smoothly through the drains,” she said. “The town looks better, and we feel proud to live here.”

The USMID program, supported by the World Bank, aims to improve urban infrastructure across Uganda. Kasese is one of several municipalities benefiting from the initiative, which focuses on better roads, drainage, and public services. According to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Kasese has so far received Shs54 billion under the program, with more funding expected in the future.

Judith Nabakooba, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, said the government remains committed to upgrading urban centres to meet growing demands. She noted that projects like the one in Kasese not only improve living conditions but also create jobs and stimulate local economies. “Good roads and proper drainage are essential for any developing town,” she said. “With these upgrades, Kasese is on its way to becoming a model municipality in the region.”

With President Museveni’s promise of additional funding, local leaders and residents are optimistic that more roads will soon be rehabilitated. The improvements are expected to position Kasese as a key urban hub in western Uganda, attracting investors, tourists, and new business opportunities.

As the town celebrates this milestone, the focus now shifts to maintaining the new infrastructure and planning for further expansion. The government has urged municipal authorities to enforce proper usage and prevent damage to the roads. Meanwhile, traders and residents are looking forward to the long-term benefits of smoother transport, increased safety, and a brighter future for Kasese.

The successful completion of the USMID road project in Kasese demonstrates the government’s commitment to transforming urban areas across Uganda. With continued investment and community cooperation, such initiatives promise to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens. For now, Kasese stands as a shining example of progress, with its new roads lighting the way toward a more prosperous future.