By Vicent Emong
Kumi Municipality has registered notable progress in infrastructure development, with roads and public building projects valued at approximately Shs 1.1 billion nearing completion under the Financial Year 2025/2026.
The progress was revealed during a monitoring exercise led by the municipality’s technical team, headed by Principal Municipal Engineer Henry Mateega, alongside heads of departments overseeing roads and building works.
Mateega reported substantial achievements in both periodic road maintenance and the construction of facilities in the health and education sectors, with several projects nearing full completion.
“In our technical department, we emphasize teamwork and professionalism,” Mateega said. “We have experienced staff who handle every stage of the projects with the expertise required, which has enabled us to move quickly and efficiently.”
According to the engineer, the building sector has reached about 75 percent completion, while road works stand at roughly 80 percent. The ongoing road improvements cover about 11 kilometers under Quota One and Two, with most stretches completed except for a few drainage lines still under construction.
The construction works include classroom blocks and pit latrines in selected schools, as well as a new structure at Aterai Health Centre III, aimed at improving service delivery in the education and health sectors.
However, Mateega acknowledged concerns from some residents regarding land used for road expansion. He noted that while compensation is not always feasible due to limited government funding, the long-term benefits outweigh the inconveniences.
“These roads will ease transportation, help children access schools, and enable families to reach hospitals and markets more easily. The developments are for the good of the entire community,” he explained.
Mayor Richard Ochom commended both the political and technical leadership for ensuring accountability and effective use of public resources.
“We do not condone shoddy work in the municipality. That is why we are seeing improved service delivery across all sectors,” Ochom said.
The Resident District Commissioner of Kumi District, John Bosco Mubito, also praised the municipal engineering department for maintaining high standards and transparency in project implementation.
“Our engineering department may be among the best in the region,” Mubito noted. “We must protect these gains by ensuring government resources are used properly.”
He urged other local governments to benchmark from Kumi Municipality and adopt regular monitoring of projects before commissioning to identify defects and guarantee quality outcomes.
With most works nearing completion, officials say the infrastructure upgrades are expected to significantly improve mobility, learning environments, and healthcare access for residents, ultimately boosting socio-economic development in the municipality.
