Mubende Municipality has been named the Best Overall Performing Municipality among cities and municipalities funded by the World Bank, recognizing five years of consistent excellence in service delivery, infrastructure, and institutional performance.
The award was presented during a high-level ceremony at Speke Resort Munyonyo, hosted by World Bank officials as part of the closure of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program, which ran from 2019 to 2024.
According to Edward Sanyu Kyazze, Chairperson of the Mubende Municipality Development Forum, the accolade is the result of tireless coordination, accountability, and results-driven planning.
“Over the past five years, we’ve ranked number one several times and only came second once. This award reflects effective leadership in Mubende Municipality,” Kyazze said proudly.
Kyazze also revealed that the government has launched a follow-up initiative, USIMID, and Mubende is already listed among the prioritised beneficiaries due to its outstanding track record.
Under USMID, Mubende implemented projects worth Shs 63 billion, covering roads, markets, drainage systems, and recreational infrastructure.
Among the most impactful developments are paved roads, solar street lighting, a revamped sports center, and a modern marketplace—all delivered within deadline and budget.
Looking ahead, Kyazze shared the Municipality’s upcoming development plans under USIMID. These include tarmacking Kirungi–Kangulumira Road, Nazareth–Barracks, Station Road, and Nkanaga Road. The local government will also construct a new football playground, replacing the one at Kassana, build a modern abattoir, and upgrade the drainage systems.
He was quick to credit Mubende’s success to strong internal collaboration.
“I cannot forget to thank His Worship the Mayor and the technocrats led by the Town Clerk for their exceptional work,” Kyazze said, noting that every milestone was closely monitored by the World Bank for compliance and performance.
Municipality Mayor Innocent Ssekiziivu echoed Kyazze’s sentiments, highlighting the scale of completed projects and promising more community-focused infrastructure in the coming years.
Mubende was officially elevated to municipality status on July 1, 2015, and comprises three administrative divisions: East, South, and West. In just under a decade, it has grown into a benchmark for efficient municipal governance in Uganda.
As many urban authorities struggle with delayed implementation and mismanaged funds, Mubende’s rise offers a compelling case study in how results-focused leadership and strategic partnerships can transform cities—even those far from the capital—into national models of excellence.
