EACOP and Hoima City Unveil New Road to Boost Local Economy
Hoima, Uganda — In a significant step towards community development, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has officially inaugurated the newly constructed Nyamasoga-Katooke Road in collaboration with Hoima City. This project is part of EACOP’s Socio-Economic Investment (SEI) initiative, aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of residents along the pipeline route.
The newly established 7.5-kilometer gravel road, located in Buseruka Sub-County within Hoima District, links the villages of Kayera and Katooke. This area is home to approximately 6,500 people spread across more than 600 households. The improved road is set to significantly bolster connectivity to the Kaiso-Tonya Highway, facilitating better access to trading hubs such as Nyamasoga and Buseruka. Residents will also benefit from improved access to essential services including healthcare, education, and local markets.
At the handover ceremony, JB Habumugisha, Deputy Managing Director of EACOP, expressed the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable community engagement. “EACOP is dedicated to ensuring that communities along the pipeline route benefit from enhanced infrastructure and social services. This road project is a testament to our commitment to support local development priorities in collaboration with government bodies,” he said.
This road construction project emerged from a community need identified by Hoima District’s leadership. Prior to the road’s rehabilitation, many vehicles struggled to navigate the area due to its poor condition, limiting transportation and accessibility. The newly paved route promises not only to ease traffic but also to stimulate trade and economic activity in the surrounding regions.
Rodgers Mbabazi, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Hoima District, commended EACOP for its long-standing commitment to local infrastructure improvements. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in enhancing the quality of life for residents. “Investment in infrastructure like this road is crucial for advancing local development and improving residents’ daily lives,” Mbabazi stated.
The ceremonial handover of the road took place at the Katooke trading center, attended by local councillors, the chief administrative officer, and community members. This milestone marks a collective achievement for the community, demonstrating the impact of collaborative efforts between public and private entities.
As Hoima’s residents anticipate the benefits of this new road, many are hopeful that it will play a pivotal role in improving their economic prospects. The enhanced transportation network is expected to provide easier access to markets, thereby facilitating trade and commerce in the region. Local farmers, traders, and service providers look forward to increased business opportunities, contributing to overall economic growth.
Community leaders are optimistic that this will not just be a road, but a pathway to prosperity, ushering in a new era of development for the citizens of Hoima. With improved infrastructure, they hope to see local businesses flourish and quality of life rise.
In a region where connectivity plays a critical role in economic activities, the successful completion of the Nyamasoga-Katooke Road stands as a beacon of partnership and progress. Both EACOP and local authorities remain dedicated to continual development efforts that prioritize the welfare of the communities they serve.
— Reported by Nexio News
