Sh112b Kigezi road upgrade to open new tourism frontiers

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The Government of Uganda has officially launched the long-anticipated upgrade of the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi and Kisoro–Mgahinga roads. The 34-kilometre project, viewed as a transformative investment in the Kigezi sub-region, is expected to significantly boost tourism and spur socio-economic development in the south-western part of the country.

The launch event on June 13, 2025, held in Kabale, was officiated by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The ceremony attracted a host of dignitaries, including works and transport minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Members of Parliament from the region, district leaders, and local stakeholders.

Project scope and objectives

The road upgrade includes 11.6km from Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi and 22.9km from Kisoro to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This infrastructure development aims to improve access to some of Uganda’s top tourist destinations, including the iconic Lake Bunyonyi—Africa’s second deepest lake—and the biodiversity-rich Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

"The south-western region is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This road will catalyse market access, enhance tourism, reduce travel times, and expand job opportunities. It is an investment in the people and in the potential of this region," said Gen. Katumba Wamala.

The project, jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and the African Development Bank, carries a total contract value of sh112 billion. Egyptian firm Samcrete Engineers and Contractors will execute the work over a 36-month period.

In addition to road surfacing, the project includes the construction of 6km of town access roads, four ferry landing sites, two roadside markets, four produce storage facilities, and the extension of electricity to Bwama Island in Lake Bunyonyi.

Presidential endorsement and strategic direction

In his written remarks, President Museveni reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure.

"This project represents our firm commitment to creating enabling infrastructure for our tourism sector. Tourism players have long advocated for this road, and now the challenge is yours to build complementary facilities that can attract high-value tourists," Museveni noted.

The President encouraged contractors to utilise local labour and materials where possible and to ensure timely, high-quality work.

Stakeholder appreciation and further requests

Eng. Canon Ivan Mbabazi Batuma, chairperson of the Kigezi Tourism Cluster, hailed the launch as a positive development.

“We welcome this milestone and commend the government for fulfilling its promise. However, we also urge attention to other critical tourism roads such as Kisoro–Nkuringo–Rubuguri–Muko, Hamurwa–Kerere–Kanungu, Katunguru–Ishasha, and Ikumba–Ruhiija–Buhoma,” he stated.

He also advocated for the construction of the Batuma Memorial Airfield in Bubaare Town Council to facilitate access for older tourists who may not tolerate long road journeys.

Voices from the ground

The road upgrade has sparked optimism across the region.

Catherine Arinaitwe, a tour operator in Kisoro, shared how the poor condition of the Kisoro–Mgahinga route had discouraged visits.

“Clients often cancelled trips because they feared getting stuck. We have lost business, and our region’s image has suffered,” she said.

Emmanuel Ndyanabo, a boda boda rider based in Kabale, noted the challenges of using the Bunyonyi road, especially during the rainy season.

“When it rains, the road to Bunyonyi becomes impassable. This upgrade means more business for us and better safety for passengers,” he said.

Annet Nyamwiza, a vendor from Rubaya in Kabale district, explained how the current road conditions had affected her business.

“I supply produce to lodges near the lake. Delays often lead to spoilage. This project will save us from those losses,” she said.

Local leaders speak out

Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, woman MP for Kabale, described the road project as an answer to years of lobbying.

Kisoro LC5 chairperson, Abel Bizimana, said that the project would have a broad impact on all aspects of regional development.

“The impact of this project will be felt in every home. Tourism, agriculture, health, and education will all benefit,” he said.

Eng. Abenabo Alison Twine, Kabale station manager for the Ministry of Works and Transport, promised transparency, quality, and community involvement throughout the implementation of several other road projects in the region.

She added that they would organise regular community engagement meetings to ensure that local concerns are addressed and that the workforce remains informed.