By Vicent Emong
KUMI — Kumi Municipality is set to undergo a major urban transformation following the launch of plans to establish a modern taxi and bus park under the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCIMID) program.
The long-awaited project is expected to improve urban transport, increase local revenue, create employment opportunities, and boost infrastructure development within the municipality.
Speaking about the development, municipal official Simon Ilaborot confirmed that the project has entered its final preparatory phase, with technical teams already on the ground to begin the design process.
“Today, we received a team from the Ministry of Lands together with consultants who have started designing our modern taxi and bus park,” Ilaborot said.
He explained that Kumi Municipality has already secured land for both the permanent modern park and a temporary relocation site where current operators will continue operating during the construction period.
According to Ilaborot, actual construction works are expected to begin in July during the next financial year.
He called upon residents, business operators, and political leaders to support the project and avoid unnecessary conflicts that could derail the development initiative.
“We do not want comparisons or conflicts because we do not want to lose this project the way we lost the market,” he emphasized.
Ilaborot further revealed that traders and transport operators currently working within the old park will be temporarily relocated during construction, but assured them that they will be given priority when allocating space in the new facility.
The current park reportedly accommodates around 126 lockups, while the proposed modern structure is expected to double the capacity to approximately 252 lockups.
“We are going to register all the current occupants so that they are considered first when allocating the new lockups,” he explained.
Beyond the modern park project, Kumi Municipality has also submitted several additional proposals under the UCIMID program aimed at improving urban infrastructure and beautification.
These include plans for tarmacking additional roads, beautifying the mayor’s gardens, establishing a recreational center at Kelim, and constructing a modern abattoir at Abubur.
Ilaborot disclosed that another assessment team is expected later this week to inspect and validate the proposed projects before determining which initiative will be prioritized after the park project.
Meanwhile, Justus Stanley Akol, the Publicity Secretary of the Kumi Municipal Development Forum (KUMDEF), described the project as a major milestone for both Kumi residents and neighboring communities.
“In any urban center, infrastructure is what brings development,” Akol noted.
He explained that improved infrastructure such as markets, roads, and modern parks strengthens local revenue generation, which in turn helps improve service delivery within the municipality.
“In most cases, poor service delivery comes because there is no money. But with reliable sources of revenue like a taxi or bus park, we can improve roads, sanitation facilities, and other public services,” he said.
Akol also encouraged residents to embrace government-led development projects and support authorities whenever such initiatives are introduced.
“When a government project comes, we should embrace it because we are the ones who will benefit from it,” he added.
He further highlighted that the modern park is expected to create employment opportunities for local residents through businesses such as restaurants, salons, retail shops, and parking services.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the project, expressing optimism that the modern transport hub will improve the image of Kumi Municipality and stimulate economic growth within the area.
