World Bank to Fund Shs24 Billion Infrastructure Projects in Uganda's Kisoro Municipality

Kisoro Municipality is poised to receive a significant financial boost of Shs24 billion over five fiscal years, starting in 2026/27, to fund crucial infrastructure projects. This funding, part of the World Bank-supported Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) program, is earmarked for road construction and urban renewal initiatives.

Municipal officials noted that the total allocation could rise to Shs30 billion if Kisoro meets specific performance targets, particularly in local revenue generation and efficient project execution. Town Clerk Richard Mugisha emphasized that UCMID allocations are performance-based, with strong performers eligible for additional funds while underperformers face reductions.

To expedite the process, Kisoro plans to prioritize projects requiring less extensive preparation. These include the redevelopment of the Mayor's Garden, estimated at Shs11 billion, and the construction of a taxi park, budgeted at Shs4 billion. These projects are seen as quicker to commence compared to road construction, which necessitates detailed engineering designs.

However, the proposed project sequencing drew mixed reactions from local councillors. Some advocated for prioritizing the taxi park due to its lower cost and immediate benefits for residents and transport operators. Others suggested reducing the scope of the Mayor's Garden project to reallocate resources towards other pressing infrastructure needs. The funding is expected to significantly enhance Kisoro's transport infrastructure, public spaces, and overall urban development over the next five years.

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The allocations under UCMID are performance-based, and strong performers can receive additional funding, while poor performance leads to reductions.