Kisoro Municipality Secures Shs24 Billion World Bank Funding for Urban Development

Kisoro Municipality is on the cusp of a significant urban transformation with a Shs24 billion injection from the World Bank. This funding, channeled through the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) programme, will span five financial years, commencing in the 2026/27 fiscal period.

The UCMID initiative is designed to bolster urban infrastructure across select Ugandan cities and municipalities. For Kisoro, the allocated funds are earmarked for crucial projects including road construction and enhancements to public spaces.

An exciting aspect of this funding is its performance-based nature. Municipal officials have indicated that Kisoro could see its budget swell to Shs30 billion if it successfully meets key performance indicators, particularly in areas of local revenue generation and efficient project execution. Conversely, underperformance could lead to reductions in the allocated sum.

Town Clerk Richard Mugisha outlined the municipality’s immediate plans during a meeting with UCMID representatives. The initial focus will be on two projects requiring less complex preparation: the redevelopment of the Mayor’s Garden, budgeted at Shs11 billion, and the construction of a new taxi park, estimated at Shs4 billion.

These projects are prioritized for their quicker commencement, as they bypass the extensive engineering designs needed for road construction. The District Works Secretary, Joachim Hashakimana, suggested that approximately Shs4.8 billion could be allocated to kickstart these initial projects while larger road infrastructure plans are finalized.

Discussions among councillors revealed varying priorities, with some advocating for the taxi park’s immediate development due to its lower cost and direct impact on transport operators and residents. Others proposed streamlining the Mayor’s Garden project to reallocate funds to other pressing infrastructure needs.

Overall, this World Bank funding marks a substantial step towards improving transport, enhancing public amenities, and driving urban development in Kisoro over the coming years.

This story was first reported by Nile Post.