Government flags off Shs112 billion Kabale-Mgahinga road project, promises tourism boost
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, alongside Ministers David Bahati and Gen. Katumba Wamala, flags off the tarmacking of Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi road in Kabale Town as local leaders from Kabale and Rubanda look on, on June 13, 2025. PHOTO/ROBERT MUHEREZA
What you need to know:
- Canon Ivan Mbabazi, Chairperson of the Kigezi Tourism Cluster, requested that any savings from the road project loan be redirected to upgrade the Kekubo–Kitengye community road, which serves as a key link during construction and supports nearby health and educational institutions.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has urged investors in the tourism industry in the Kigezi sub-region to improve their facilities in order to attract high-end tourists. This follows the government's fulfilment of a long-standing pledge to tarmac key tourism roads in the area.
Mr Tayebwa made the call on Friday while presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi and Kisoro–Mgahinga roads. He represented President Museveni as the chief guest at the event.
The three-year road construction contract was awarded to Samcrete Egypt Engineers and Contractors at a cost of Shs112 billion. The project is funded 85 percent by a loan from the African Development Bank and 15 percent by the Government of Uganda.
“Now that government has started tarmacking tourism roads in Kigezi, I appeal to tourism investors to upgrade their hotels and campsites to attract tourists who can spend up to $5,000, instead of focusing only on those spending $200. Government has increased funding for tourism infrastructure in the 2025/2026 financial year,” Mr Tayebwa said.
He commended State Minister for Industry David Bahati, also the NRM chairperson for Kabale District, for lobbying funds for the road works.
Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala urged the contractor to complete the project within the stipulated 36 months and warned local youths employed on the project against fuel theft, absenteeism, and neglect of duty.
“The project also includes constructing four landing sites, two ferries, and a search and rescue boat on Lake Bunyonyi. Two roadside markets will be built to boost trade in the region. Local leaders must monitor this project closely to ensure quality,” Gen. Katumba said.
Minister Bahati thanked the government for honouring the presidential pledge and expressed gratitude to locals for their patience throughout the bureaucratic delays.
“As Minister of State for Planning, I was tasked with sourcing funds for this project. The loan was approved in December 2020 and signed in May 2021. I am proud that the construction has now begun,” he said.
Canon Ivan Mbabazi, Chairperson of the Kigezi Tourism Cluster, requested that any savings from the road project loan be redirected to upgrade the Kekubo–Kitengye community road, which serves as a key link during construction and supports nearby health and educational institutions.
He also called for fast-tracking the Batuma Memorial Airstrip in Kabale, launched by the President nine years ago, to enhance air access for tourists.
Kisoro District LCV Chairperson Mr Abel Bizimana said, “Tarmacking this road will showcase our tourism attractions to the world.”
He also proposed tarmac extensions to key sites including St Peter’s Gisoro Catholic Church and the stretch from Travellers Hotel to Shaza Playground.
Bufumbira South MP Alex Niyonsaba Seruganda advised the contractor to construct dams to manage runoff from Mt Muhavura, warning of the risks of natural damage. He also urged locals to seize new business opportunities from the road project and called for increased community sensitization on health risks including HIV.
