Editor
Residents of Buhunga Sub-county in Rukungiri District have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of their roads and bridges. The Katwe Kamwe-Karisizo road and the Kanyeganyegye bridge, which connect over five parishes, have been neglected for about two years despite numerous pleas for repairs.
According to the residents, the poor condition of the bridge has severely impacted trade and access to essential services, such as healthcare and education, in the neighboring areas. They highlight the increased risks to their safety, particularly for road users and schoolchildren, who face the danger of drowning in the river due to the bridge’s deplorable state.
Most of the main roads in Buhunga Subcounty are nearly impassable, marked by deep gullies that have led to numerous accidents and fatalities. The residents have repeatedly informed district authorities about the need to rehabilitate the roads and repair the Kanyeganyegye bridge, but their appeals have gone unanswered.
Patrick Arinaitwe, a motorist from Kasya, reported that the bridge’s condition has worsened to the point of collapse, disrupting services in the area. Farmers who once used the bridge to transport their goods to market have been forced to stop due to its impassability. Consequently, agricultural product prices have dropped, with middlemen exploiting the situation to buy produce cheaply at farm gate prices.
Boda boda riders also face significant challenges on this road, often having to unload passengers to navigate certain sections. Despite notifying their leaders about these issues, no action has been taken. Residents feel their leaders are only visible when seeking votes.
Arinaitwe and others are now appealing for immediate support from their leaders, emphasizing that the roads are currently maintained solely through the efforts of the residents themselves.
