Story by Obed Kankiriho
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially commissioned the long-awaited construction of the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi tourism road, bringing excitement among tourism stakeholders, local leaders, and residents in southwestern Uganda.
The 8.4-kilometre road segment is part of the broader Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi–Kisoro–Mgahinga Roads Upgrading Project, with a total estimated cost of UGX 122 billion. .
Representing the President at the groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa emphasized the project’s strategic significance under the National Development Plan III (2020/21–2024/25), which highlights infrastructure as a key driver of economic transformation.
In his message, President Museveni described the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi road as a vital investment to unlock the region’s tourism and socio-economic potential. Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most iconic natural attractions, is famous for its serene waters, cool climate, terraced hillsides, and 29 scenic islands.
The lake is a favored retreat for tourists, particularly following gorilla trekking adventures in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Regarding the Kisoro–Mgahinga road, the President highlighted its importance in connecting several major tourism attractions, including gorilla and golden monkey habitats, the Batwa forest trail, and hiking routes to the peaks of Mounts Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.
The road also provides a vital link to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond tourism, President Museveni noted that the upgraded road will enhance intermodal connectivity by linking road infrastructure with inland water transport on Lake Bunyonyi.
This development is expected to improve access to the lake’s islands, strengthen agricultural supply chains, and boost socio-economic development in Kabale, Kisoro, and the greater southwestern region.
The construction is being executed by Samcrete Egypt Engineers and Contractors, an Egyptian firm praised by the President for its engineering expertise.
He encouraged local communities to seize the economic opportunities created by the project—through employment, material supply, and service provision—to improve household incomes and support national development goals.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa urged local investors and tourism operators to elevate the quality of their services to attract high-value travelers who can significantly contribute to the region’s economy.
He also revealed that the government has increased investment in the tourism sector and plans to establish dedicated tourism marketing desks at Ugandan embassies worldwide.
He further noted that the upcoming financial year includes increased funding for national security, an essential pillar for sustaining tourism growth.
Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, issued a stern warning to the contractor, stressing the importance of delivering timely and high-quality work. He described the project as a “test case” for future infrastructure developments in the region.
Gen. Katumba also outlined additional project components, including:
Four modern landing sites
Two roadside markets
A facility for processing and storing farm produce
Two ferries for Lake Bunyonyi
A fully equipped search and rescue boat with navigation aids
He urged the contractor to implement all components concurrently to ensure an integrated and timely project completion.
Kabale District LC5 Chairperson, Nelson Nshangabasheija, welcomed the development, calling it a gateway to some of Uganda’s top tourist destinations.
He emphasized the importance of using local labor and materials to ensure direct community benefit from the project.
