Sh2.5b project boosts Bunyangabu, Ntoroko livelihoods

BUNYABUNGU - A major government and donor-backed initiative has concluded a successful phase in western Uganda, injecting nearly shillings 2.5 billion directly into community enterprises and infrastructure, driving significant economic growth and livelihood improvements across the districts of Bunyangabu and Ntoroko. 

The achievement was celebrated during a joint closure and supervision mission this week involving delegations from the local government ministry (MoLG), the finance ministry and main financier Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Bunyangabu saw immediate success from the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project, which focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity (Component A) and providing financial support (Component B).

The Mission Team at Rwimi United Development Association in Bunyangabu. (Courtesy Photos)

In partnership with the Micro Finance Support Centre, the LEGS project disbursed shillings 2.5 billion to over 4,680 community members in Bunyangabu, significantly boosting local enterprises and household incomes. 

The delegation visited several key beneficiary groups to assess the impact. The Rwimi United Development Association received infrastructure support, including a rice processing machine.

The Kageera Banana Farmers Association benefited from 40 market stalls and two open sheds. Furthermore, the Bunyangabu Bee Keepers Cooperative (BBC) secured shillings 270 million to expand operations and strengthen value addition.

Dr. David Siriri, Country Director Millennium Promise Alliance (MPA), and team leader of the Ministry team on the mission.

The project’s impact is clear in the lives of beneficiaries like Aisha Asimwe, a member of the Rwimi association. 

"The project has transformed my life. Once a small-scale farmer, I now buy, mill, and sell rice—a business that fully sustains my family," she said. 

Similarly, 29-year-old Bob Mugisha, an assistant mechanic at the new rice processing factory, noted the wider effect: "My job has not only improved my livelihood but also enabled me to start a small poultry business." 

Mindset shift

​Mellinelinum Promise Alliance (MPA) country director Dr David Siriri praised the Input Voucher Scheme under LEGS, which uses a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement on agro inputs.

He noted the scheme enabled 2,218 farmers to access quality inputs affordably, thereby increasing productivity and incomes.

The team posing for a picture at Kageera farmers' association market.

Nicholas Kamukama, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), commended the progress but emphasised the need for community commitment. 

He pledged continued district support for training and sensitising communities, stating the importance of a “mindset shift” to fully utilise such interventions to lift themselves out of poverty.

Ntoroko programme

​The IsDB-led mission, headed by country operations manager Mouchili Mayoua, also visited Ntoroko district to review overall progress and document lessons learned for project closure. Ntoroko demonstrated achievements in infrastructure and resilience-building.

For instance, the mission visited the Kimara Valley Dam, a 68,000-cubic-metre water reservoir serving over 250 households and 5,000 cattle. 

Br. Mouchili Mayoua (Yellow), Country Operations Manager, IsDB, and Br. Denis Okumu, Project Management Specialist on Agriculture Infrastructure attending an entry meeting at Bunyagabu District headquarters.

They also inspected the Butungama Livestock Market and the Karugutu Sub-County Women’s SACCO, which received an agro-processing facility equipped with maize and rice milling machinery for value addition. 

Moses Agum, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), assured the delegation that the district is committed to sustaining the achievements, particularly the community access roads that have enhanced connectivity and stimulated local trade.

Building on the successes of the initial phase, the Islamic Development Bank assured continuous support to the Government of Uganda through the upcoming LEGS Phase II.

The new phase is set to expand interventions to 55 districts across the country, deepening the impact of local economic growth and resilience among communities nationwide.