UGANDA, Hoima | Real Muloodi News | President Yoweri Museveni commissioned three important oil roads in the Bunyoro sub-region in late January.
The highways include the 111-kilometre Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseko road and the 235-kilometre Kigumba-Masindi-Buliima-Hoima-Kabwoya route USh356 billion to build. These are critical national routes chosen for bitumen upgrade from gravel under the government’s 10-year Rolling Road Sector Development Programme (RSDP). Chongquing International Construction was granted the construction project.
President Museveni, speaking at Bwikya primary school in Hoima city, urged the people of Bunyoro to tap into opportunities that the oil and gas project presents, which have the potential to combat poverty and enhance their living conditions.
The oil and gas project and associated infrastructure developments will bring rapid population growth in response to the demand for labor. This presents opportunities for local land owners to leverage their land for agriculture to meet the increased demand for produce, as well as housing to meet the increased housing demand.
Museveni stated that local leaders had not done enough to prepare the people to seize and capitalise on such opportunities, and urged leaders at all levels to strategically sensitise the populace.
“Leaders must be specific. When doing business, they have to first know the average land holding per household then advise the people accordingly,” he said.
The president emphasised that locals should follow the four-acre model for small land acreage. Those with considerable land holdings, on the other hand, can pursue vast agricultural.
He said people would not eat roads, even though infrastructure development is essential.
“In whatever you do, know that what is for all of us is good but what is for your family is more important,” he noted.
When asked about Hoima City and Bunyoro, the president highlighted that not all highways are oil roads, citing Hoima-Kyenjojo, Mubende-Kakumiro, and Kafu-Kampala as examples.
He instructed the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja and other regional leaders tackle land issues in the sub-region, including assisting residents with fence, demarcation, and land titles. He went on to say that individuals should have a right to their land even if they are still on the customary property.
The president stated that the administration is finalising measures to ensure that new roads are built in the region. He included the highways Kagadi-Ndaiga, Birembo-Nkoko-Ntwetwe-Kiboga Masode, Karuguza, Kyegegwa, Kabogole, and Burunga Kazo.
He praised Uganda and the African Development Bank (ADB) for their collaboration in completing the project.
Prime Minister Nabbanja praised President Museveni for the progress made in Hoima and Uganda. She has given her full assistance for monitoring and executing government programs.
According to Fred Byamukama, State Minister for Works and Transport, the roads would improve the region’s transportation sector, which is in keeping with the agenda of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Byamukama urged leaders and residents to be vigilant against road sign theft and vandalism.
Hon. Matia Kasaija, Finance Minister, praised the president for improving infrastructure in the Bunyoro sub-region. He urged the people to work hard to reap the benefits of the roads by engaging in commercial agriculture.
He added that the roads would help with regional integration and cross-border commerce with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo-DRC and oil exploration and production.
Rose Katusiime, a Kitoba sub-county resident who lives along the Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseko route, is pleased to promote trade in the region.
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