President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Kabale Diocese for its role in supporting government programs aimed at transforming rural communities and boosting household incomes.
He made the remarks while commissioning the Rushoroza- Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Road at Kabale Diocese in Kabale Municipality.
President Museveni assured the people of Kabale that the government is committed to strategic planning and effective prioritization of national resources.
He emphasized that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government prioritizes security to stabilize the country, enabling citizens to conduct their businesses peacefully. The President added that this foundation allows for investments in health, education, and poverty alleviation programs such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga.
He stressed that while infrastructure development, such as roads, is essential, it must be complemented by initiatives that boost household income.
“Good roads and infrastructure are beneficial, but they do not make sense when people are poor. That’s why the NRM government prioritizes household income,” President Museveni remarked.
He also expressed gratitude to Bishop Callist Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese for leading efforts to transform Kabale into a money economy by supporting initiatives that empower local communities.
Additionally, President Museveni reiterated his commitment to supporting community empowerment through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and financial literacy, ensuring sustainable economic growth and development for all Ugandans.
The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba noted that the developments include stormwater drainage at Mwanjari Business Centre, Mukombe Road, and along Katuna Highway, as well as street lighting along Trail of Road. These improvements have boosted property values, extended business working hours, and enhanced safety and access to social amenities such as schools and hospitals.
She further noted that the enhanced infrastructure has significantly increased Kabale Municipality’s revenue collection from UGX 900 million in 2019 to UGX 1.9 billion last year.
Bishop Rubaramira highlighted the positive impact of the USMID Program, which has enhanced local infrastructure and improved livelihoods in Kabale Municipality. He noted that the program has empowered communities through education, financial literacy, and hands-on training.
Bishop Rubaramira requested President Museveni’s continued support to expand the USMID program to other municipalities, consolidating the gains achieved so far. He also appreciated the opportunity given to local contractors which has boosted local capacity and economic growth.
He further explained that St. Ignatius University, in collaboration with Kabale Diocese, has dedicated 10 hectares of land for research to maximize productivity and address land fragmentation challenges. The university is also promoting financial literacy and microfinance programs, equipping rural families with financial management skills and providing affordable loans to enhance household incomes.
The university’s charitable department is driving community development by launching projects that support food security and value addition. Local farmers are benefiting from machinery that processes fruits such as passion fruit and pineapple, thus increasing their earnings.
The university representatives expressed gratitude to President Museveni for supporting socio-economic transformation programs, which have significantly contributed to poverty reduction.
Under the USMID Program, Kabale Municipality has witnessed substantial infrastructure improvements, including the rehabilitation of municipal roads, street lighting installation, and upgrading of water drainage systems. Executed between 2019 and 2024, these projects have enhanced mobility, security, and employment within the Municipality.
