The Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project has been commended for its significant contribution to reducing poverty in Nakasenke District. According to the Chief Administrative Officer, poverty levels have fallen from 20% in 2017 to 13.5% today, a remarkable achievement linked to LEGS investments that continue to uplift livelihoods.
A joint delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Ministry of Local Government, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has completed its mission in Central Uganda, where it assessed the impact of LEGS interventions in both Nakasenke and Gomba Districts.
Nakasenke
In Nakasenke, the delegation reviewed a wide portfolio of LEGS funded investments including access roads, solar shared schemes, market sheds, and milk storage facilities.
A key focus was the Kinono Piped Water Supply System, which will serve over 25,000 people and their livestock.
Mr. Ham Nahurira LCIII Chairperson of Kinoni Subcounty, recalled the severe challenges previously faced by residents such as girls trekking long unsafe distances for water, high cases of typhoid, risks of rape and kidnapping, and the loss of over 500 animals due to drought.
With the new water system, these risks are expected to drop significantly. Access to clean water will enhance household health, improve safety, support farming, and boost milk production which will all contribute to poverty reduction.
Gomba
In Gomba District, the team inspected major LEGS-supported projects including the Kifampa Milk Collection Centre, Maddu Market Sheds, and Lwakibira Dam.
At Kifampa, IsDB’s Br. Denis Okumu commended the contractor for delivering quality infrastructure and urged farmers to adopt improved cattle breeds to further increase milk production.
Cooperative member Zanika Scovia shared how farmers once gathered under a tree to hold meetings of their comparatives with no secure market for their milk. Today, the modern milk collection centre allows them to store milk safely while waiting for reliable buyers.
This has improved market access, increased earnings, and strengthened household income.