Kisoro Municipal Council Approves Expansion Plan, Sets Stage for UCMID Development Programme

Kisoro Municipal Council has approved the process of expanding the municipality; a move leaders say will significantly boost development and strengthen service delivery in the area.

The decision was made on April 28^th 2026 during a council sitting held at the municipal council hall, where councillors also approved a budget of over 7.7 billion shillings for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Municipal Speaker Nkurunziza Geoffrey Nsubuga confirmed that Kisoro Municipality has been selected to benefit from the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) Programme, describing it as a major boost that complements the approved budget.

He noted that implementation of development activities is expected to begin by 1st July 2026, including the paving of the new Kisoro taxi park and progressive expansion of the municipality.

Presenting his remarks, Municipal Mayor Ndyana Richard revealed that the Municipal Executive Committee, in its sitting held on 27 April 2026, observed that Kisoro Municipality remains the smallest in the country, covering about 10.2 square kilometres and comprising 7wards and 24 cells.

He said the committee directed the Town Clerk to undertake a detailed study on the planned expansion.

Ndyana explained that expanding the municipality will help increase the local revenue base, elevate Kisoro to a potential tourism city in future, improve infrastructure development—especially tarmac roads in newly incorporated areas—and create employment opportunities through the establishment of lower administrative units such as divisions.

He further urged the council to engage the district council to allocate additional land for expansion of health infrastructure, warning that failure to do so could affect opportunities under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) programme.

Municipal Town Clerk Richard Mugisha confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the district speaker to schedule the necessary council engagements and formally integrate the resolutions into district planning processes.

The proposed expansion areas include Busamba Village in Chahi Sub-county, all parishes of Nyakinama, Rwaramba, Chihe, Mabungo, Sagitwe, Bigina, Bikoro, Gashenyi, Buhima, Nyagisenyi, and Nyakabaya villages.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development on April 28, 2026 presented a historical plan for Kisoro Municipality, a key requirement for the municipality to qualify for the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) Programme set to commence in the 2026/2027 financial year in July.

The plan was presented by the Ministry’s Physical Planner, Peter Wandela, during a council meeting held today.

Addressing council members, Wandela explained that the historical plan will guide the municipality in organizing its development through proper allocation of infrastructure in designated areas.

 He emphasized that structured urban planning is a critical condition for accessing the UCMID Programme, which is expected to significantly boost infrastructure development in Kisoro Municipality.