By Diana N. Kintu
Ntoroko District has pledged to sustain and build upon the key development achievements realised through the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project, a major government initiative implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and funded by the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Government of Uganda.
This pledge was made during the ongoing high-level supervision mission for the LEGS Project, which visited Ntoroko to assess progress and evaluate impact. The mission’s main goal is to document the project’s successes, identify lessons learnt, and ensure a smooth transition as the current phase approaches its conclusion.
During the meeting, Mr. Agum Moses, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Ntoroko District, reaffirmed the district’s strong commitment to maintaining the gains registered under the project. He emphasised the transformative role of the improved community access roads, which have significantly enhanced mobility, boosted trade, and linked isolated communities to markets, schools, and health services. Mr. Agum noted that the district’s focus going forward would be to integrate maintenance of these assets into local development plans to ensure their sustainability.
The visiting delegation, led by Dr. Mouchili Mayoua, the Country Operations Manager for the Islamic Development Bank, undertook a detailed field tour of several LEGS project sites. Among the key stops was the Kimara Valley Dam, a 6,000-cubic-metre water reservoir that now provides a stable and reliable water supply for over 250 households and sustains more than 5,000 heads of cattle. The dam has not only alleviated the challenge of water scarcity but also contributed to improved livestock production and livelihoods in the area.
The team also visited the Butungama Livestock Market, one of the district’s major economic facilities constructed under the project. The market has created a structured and hygienic environment for the livestock trade, attracting farmers and traders from surrounding districts and across the border. It has become a vital hub for stimulating rural commerce and expanding revenue generation for local government.
Another highlight of the supervision mission was the Karugutu Sub-County Women’s SACCO, which benefited from an agro-processing facility established through the LEGS Project. The facility, equipped with modern maize and rice milling machinery, has empowered women farmers to process and package their produce, thereby adding value, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing household incomes. According to the SACCO members, the intervention has also promoted financial inclusion and women’s participation in local agribusiness.
In his remarks, Dr. Mayoua commended the strong collaboration between the Government of Uganda, local governments, and community beneficiaries. He reaffirmed IsDB’s ongoing support and announced that preparations are underway for LEGS Phase II, which will expand operations to 55 districts across Uganda. The second phase will build on current achievements, focusing on strengthening local economic growth, improving rural infrastructure, and enhancing community resilience to poverty and climate challenges.
The success stories emerging from Ntoroko District have been highlighted as a model of sustainable local development under the LEGS framework. The district’s commitment to maintaining these assets is viewed as essential to ensuring long-term impact, as the national government and development partners prepare to scale up interventions that continue to transform lives and livelihoods across Uganda.