LEGS Project Spurs Economic Growth and Livelihood Transformation in Bunyangabu

A joint delegation from the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Finance, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has visited Bunyangabu District as part of the closure mission for the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project.

The district is benefiting from both Component A, which focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, and Component B, which provides financial support and working capital to community enterprises.

The LEGS Project in patnership the Micro Finance Centre has disbursed UGX 976,168,644 to over 3,200 community members in Bunyanganu District significantly boosting local enterprises and household incomes.

During the mission, the delegation visited several beneficiary groups, including the Rwimi United Development Association, which received infrastructure support and a rice processing machine; the Kageera Banana Farmers Association, which benefited from 40 market stalls and two open sheds and the Bunyangabu Bee Keepers Cooperative (BBC), which received UGX 270 million to expand its operations and strengthen value addition.

Dr. David Siriri, the Country Director of the Mellinelinum Promise Alliance (MPA), encouraged farmers to take advantage of the Input Voucher Scheme under the LEGS Project, noting that the 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement on Agro inputs has enabled 2,218 farmers to access quality agricultural inputs at affordable prices, thereby increasing productivity and incomes.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Kamukama Nicholas, commended the progress achieved under the LEGS Project and emphasized the importance of a mindset shift among community members. He pledged continued district support in training and sensitizing communities to fully utilize such development interventions to lift themselves out of poverty.

Beneficiaries inspiring success stories from Bunyangabu District

Asimwe Aisha, a member of the Rwimi United Development Association, said the project has transformed her life. Once a small-scale farmer, she now buys, mills, and sells rice a business that sustains her family. 

Likewise, Mugisha Bob, a 29-year-old assistant mechanic at the rice processing factory, revealed that his job has not only improved his livelihood but also enabled him to start a small poultry business, a testament to the project’s impact on youth empowerment.

At Kageera Market, traders are also reaping the benefits of improved infrastructure. Sylivia Kabanyoro, a beans vendor, said the new market facilities have boosted business activity and income for many households. “We now have enough space to display and sell our goods. What was once a banana market has grown into a vibrant trading center attracting people with a variety of products,” she noted.