On December 20, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officiated the commissioning of civil works in Mbale City under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Additional Financing (AF) program. This landmark occasion celebrated a transformative phase in urban development, showcasing the fruits of a USD 360Million investment in modern infrastructure across 33 municipalities.
The USMID-AF program, which ran from 2019 to 2024, has been instrumental in enhancing urban centers across the country. In Mbale City, this funding facilitated the construction of key roads and supporting infrastructure that have significantly improved mobility, security, and the overall quality of urban life. The works included the construction and upgrade of Naboa Road (0.662 km), Cathedral Avenue (0.835 km), Central Road (0.3 km), Manafwa and Marketplace Roads (0.44 km), North Road (0.4 km), Nkonkonjeru Terrace (0.44 km), and Pallisa Road along with its connecting link from Bishop Wasikye to Pallisa Road (2.12 km).
Altogether, these efforts delivered 5.26 km of paved roads, 12.64 km of walkways, 6.71 km of parking lanes, 159 streetlights, 16.72 km of kerbstones, three box culverts, and over 8,244 meters of pipe culverts. The improved infrastructure has not only eased movement for the public and business community but has also bolstered nighttime security and extended working hours for businesses, thanks to the installation of street lighting.
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mrs. Dorcas W. Okalany, 
emphasized the transformative impact of the USMID program. She lauded Mbale City for successfully implementing the initiative and congratulated it on its elevation to city status. She reiterated that urban centers are the lifeblood of trade, commerce, and innovation, and stressed that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring all cities and municipalities achieve their full potential.
Mrs. Okalany highlighted the program’s broader benefits, such as improved local government revenue collection, which has more than doubled in many areas due to the program’s support in systems development. She also pointed to the implementation of solid waste management strategies and the provision of garbage trucks, litter bins, and weighbridges to promote sustainable urban living. While acknowledging the progress made, she expressed the need for continued investments in urban planning and solid waste management, calling on the government to approve a successor phase of the USMID program to consolidate these achievements.
The Minister of State for Urban Development, Hon. Obiga Kania, highlighted the strategic role of the USMID-AF program in advancing Uganda’s urban development agenda. He praised the work of the contractors, M/S Dott Services Limited, and the consulting firms, noting the timely delivery and exceptional quality of work. The minister underscored that the roads were constructed with modern features such as walkways, parking lanes, service utility ducts, and streetlights to ensure safety, convenience, and functionality for both motorists and pedestrians.
Hon. Obiga Kania emphasized that the success of the program reflects the government’s dedication to structured
urban planning, as outlined in the NRM manifesto. He noted that the achievements in Mbale are replicated in other cities and municipalities, forming a vital part of Uganda’s vision for regional growth and easing the pressure on Kampala. He expressed optimism that the proposed next phase of the USMID program would address critical challenges, particularly in solid waste management, and expand the benefits to more communities across the country.
The President used the opportunity to rally people in Bugisu sub-region to get into the money economy. H.E the President remarked, “Our focus is empowering the base, which is the population. By engaging them, we can increase awareness and participation in the money economy ensuring that every household earns an income.”
The event, held at the Naboa-Central Road intersection, drew a diverse audience, including local leaders, Members of Parliament, business representatives, and media personnel. President Museveni praised the transformation of Mbale and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering regional urban centers as hubs of economic growth and innovation.
The ceremony served as a testament to the power of well-executed urban planning and investment. It highlighted the government’s focus on creating sustainable, productive, and livable cities. Officials expressed their commitment to further developing infrastructure, improving service delivery, and ensuring that the benefits of urban development reach all Ugandans.
The success of the USMID-AF program in Mbale City stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through strategic investment and effective governance. With the potential for a new phase of the program, the vision for a modern, sustainable urban Uganda remains on the horizon.
