KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan government has officially commenced the tarmacking of two critical tourism roads: the Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi road in Kabale district and the Kisoro-Mgahinga road in Kisoro district.
These projects, valued at 112 billion Ugandan Shillings and funded by the African Development Bank (ADB), are part of President Yoweri Museveni’s 2011-2016 presidential election campaign pledges aimed at boosting tourism in the picturesque Kigezi region.
The 8.4-kilometer Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi road will connect Kabale town to Lake Bunyonyi, recognized as Africa’s second-deepest lava-dammed lake. Meanwhile, the 13.4-kilometer Kisoro-Mgahinga road will link Kisoro town directly to Mgahinga National Park, a vital habitat for the rare mountain gorillas.
Egyptian firm Samcrete Egypt, Engineers and Contractors has taken charge of the construction works, which are projected to be completed within 18 months to three years.
Consultancy services for the projects have been awarded to India’s AArve Associates Architects and Engineers, in partnership with Uganda-based Arch Designs Limited, at a cost of US$4,117,210.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremonies held on Friday at Saza grounds in Kisoro district and Rwakaraba in Kabale district, President Yoweri Museveni, in a speech read by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, expressed optimism.
He believes that upon completion, these roads will significantly enhance the tourism industry, improve transport networks, and boost trade across the Kigezi region.
President Museveni also issued a caution to women residing in areas where the roads are being tarmacked, advising them against engaging in sexual relationships with road workers to safeguard family peace and stability.
David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade and Member of Parliament for Ndorwa County West, noted that while the funds for the projects were secured in 2018, and the planning and financing agreement was signed in 2020 by the State Minister of Finance, the actual tarmacking faced delays due to procurement challenges.
Bahati took the opportunity to commend local residents, the business community, and tourism stakeholders for their patience during this period.
General Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister for Works and Transport, highlighted that the tarmacking of the Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi road will be complemented by additional infrastructure developments.
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These include the construction of two ferries on the lake, four landing sites along its shores, two roadside markets designed to support women in trade, a farm produce holding facility, and a search and rescue boat equipped with complete navigational aids.
Despite the positive developments, local leaders expressed a cautious welcome. George Niyonzima, Ihimbi village LC1 Chairman in Northern Division, Kabale Municipality, and Engineer Canon Ivan Mbabazi Batuma, Chairperson for Kigezi Tourism Cluster, conveyed their appreciation for the project but stated they would only truly celebrate upon its timely completion, referencing previous delays in the upgrade process.
Niyonzima also utilized the platform to call for the immediate operationalization of Kabale Tourism City.
