Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Bashiru Kakurwa, has led a high-level meeting of members of the Kagera Development Forum, KADEFO, held in Dar es Salaam, where he outlined key government efforts under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to accelerate economic transformation in Kagera Region through strategic development projects.
Speaking during the gathering, Bashiru said the government of Samia Suluhu Hassan is deliberately investing in infrastructure, education, agriculture, and industrial development to ensure Kagera fully benefits from its strategic position and cross-border trade opportunities with neighbouring countries.
He commended KADEFO Board Chairperson Liberata Mulamula and the entire leadership of the forum for strengthening unity among people of Kagera and creating a platform that brings together professionals and stakeholders to support regional development.
He urged KADEFO members to remain united and accountable in implementing their plans, stressing that development requires coordination, commitment, and practical action rather than ideas alone.
Bashiru said several flagship government projects are already underway in Kagera, including the expansion of higher education through the establishment of a University of Dar es Salaam branch, University of Dar es Salaam, alongside investments in modern livestock ranching, improved food security systems, and the development of fisheries and aquaculture.
He added that the government is also strengthening agriculture and promoting agro-processing industries to increase value addition, reduce post-harvest losses, and create more employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
He further noted that Kagera is being connected to the national power grid, a move expected to boost industrial activities, improve service delivery, and attract private investment across key sectors.
According to him, the government’s long-term goal is to position Kagera as a strong economic hub within the Great Lakes region, leveraging its geographical advantage and market access.
He also revealed that plans are underway to construct a modern airport in the region, a project expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment.
Other ongoing infrastructure works include modern bus terminals, improved road networks, and upgraded markets to support local business growth.
In the health sector, Bashiru said the government plans to build a major hospital dedicated to non-communicable diseases, aimed at improving access to specialised healthcare services for residents of Kagera and surrounding regions.
Opening the forum, KADEFO Board Chairperson Liberata Mulamula said the organisation was formed to strengthen unity among people from Kagera and coordinate efforts to attract investment and promote inclusive development in the region.
She said KADEFO has already started delivering impact through initiatives such as ICT training for youth, networking professionals from the region, and supporting development dialogues among stakeholders.
She also announced that KADEFO is preparing a development project worth about Sh300 million, which will be funded through contributions from members, saying it will support priority development areas once implemented.
Mulamula thanked Bashiru for attending the meeting, saying his presence demonstrated strong government support and encouraged members to continue contributing ideas and resources for the development of Kagera.
CCM Kagera Regional Chairperson Nazir Karamagi said Kagera has vast investment opportunities and urged residents to take the lead in investing locally in order to attract more investors from outside the region.
He praised KADEFO for successfully bringing together people from Kagera living across different parts of the country, saying unity remains a key driver of development.
Kagera Regional Commissioner Yahaya Kido commended KADEFO members for their commitment and said the government remains fully ready to work with citizens and stakeholders to ensure development projects deliver real benefits to the people.
On behalf of Members of Parliament from the region, KADEFO MPs Secretary Florent Kyombo said lawmakers welcomed the initiative and pledged continued support, stressing the importance of unity and effective use of available opportunities to transform Kagera’s economy.
