How Tisai Island in Kumi is opening up to the world

For years, residents of Tisai Island in Kumi District suffered significant hardship due to poor infrastructure, hampering access to essential services.

With a population of approximately 9,000 people, the island has fertile soils and a large livestock population, making it a key supplier of milk in the Teso sub-region, with more than 13,000 cattle.

Due to its remote location, access to the island was limited to small boats operated by locals and a single government boat with restricted routes, often requiring a daunting four-kilometre journey across the papyrus-filled Lake Bisina.

This isolation discouraged officials from working on the island due to accessibility risks and poor communication networks.

However, positive changes are occurring. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has undertaken the construction of a road that will link the island with the mainland, which is nearing completion.

Excited residents and businesses have already begun using this new infrastructure, heralding a new sense of connectivity.

Funded by the Islamic Development Bank, the Ministry of Local Government’s Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project expanded the murrum road network within the island, facilitating access to the multi-million dollar milk collars intended to preserve the produce of the farmers.

This development has been praised by traders, particularly milk distributors, who now have better access to customers, significantly reducing travel times.

Ben Celakol, president of LC III, foresees the opening of a livestock market on the island, thanks to the new ability of heavy trucks to traverse the island.

This has sparked a flurry of activity, with traders flocking to set up businesses and take up farming, promising a boost to local incomes.

Additionally, the introduction of a solar energy system, generating 12 kW of electricity, has transformed the island’s commercial hub.

Companies like Mr. David Otino’s carpentry shop have seen their sales double thanks to motorized machinery and improved product quality.

Distributors now deliver products directly to stores on the island, eliminating the need for expensive trips to Kumi Town.

Despite these advances, challenges remain, such as the absence of a public school and health unit, leading residents to rely on improvised solutions.

However, there is optimism that ongoing developments will pave the way for better access to government services, promising a better future for Tisai Island and its residents.