Editor
A section of leaders from Bukimbiri County in Kisoro District, led by their Member of Parliament, Hon. Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu on Thursday stormed the office of the UNRA Executive Director, Allen Kagina seeking a response regarding the exclusion of tourism roads in Bukimbiri from the list of priority roads slated for tarmacking in the 2023/24 fiscal year.
The demand for the tarmacking of the Kisoro-Rubuguri-Muko/Nteko Road has been ongoing for several years, dating back to the inception of tourism activities in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The leaders argue that this development is essential to bolster the tourism sector in the region.
Despite numerous government assurances, these vital roads have languished without any significant progress. Notably, tourism in this area contributes a substantial 300 million Ugandan shillings daily to the government’s coffers.
The public had high hopes that the 2023/24 financial year would finally see the tarmacking of these crucial tourism roads in Bukimbiri County. However, their expectations were dashed when the government’s released list did not include these roads.
Following a meeting with UNRA’s executive director and her team, Hon. Wagahungu expressed confidence that tourism roads in the area would receive priority attention in the upcoming fiscal year.
He disclosed that both sides had also reached an agreement for the Uganda National Roads Authority to undertake regular maintenance and upgrades of these roads until they are eventually tarmacked.
Hon. Kwizera revealed that discussions also touched on the upgrade of the Kisoro-Kabale Road, although a specific timeline remains uncertain.
In addition, an agreement was reached regarding the Buhoma-Nteko Road. In the presence of the Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director, Samuel John Mwandha, it was decided that this road would be constructed along the boundary of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, adjacent to the DRC.
Hon. Wagahungu also expressed concern that residents had been contemplating a demonstration if a satisfactory explanation was not provided.
He urged UNRA’s leadership to engage with the local community and clarify their plans for the area.
The engagement also saw the participation of other notable leaders, including the Mayors of Rubuguri and Nkuringo town councils, among others.
