Hamurwa
NELSON K
The Hamurwa-Kerere-Rutenga road, which connects Rubanda District to Kanungu District from Hamurwa in Rubanda to Rutenga Subcounty in Kanungu, has been abandoned due to its impassable state. The road’s condition has deteriorated significantly following the development of a water-logged spot in Hamurwa Town Council around early December 2024, hindering transportation of goods and other road services.
In response, Hamurwa Subcounty District Councilor Hon. Pierr Mbabazi, speaking to Boona Radio, hopelessly confirmed that the road is indeed impassable and in a stagnant situation. Unfortunately, he noted, no efforts have been made to address the issue due to a lack of sufficient funds at both the subcounty and district levels. He stated that resolving the issue would require an official bid from the executive government.
Mbabazi added that as long as the rains persist, the road condition worsens. He urged affected residents and travelers to use alternative, though more distant, routes such as the Rutenga–Nyamasiizi–Kereere road, which is currently the only fair option.
Rutenga Subcounty District Councilor Hon. Broosa Ainembabazi also spoke with anger and concern about the road, reporting that all business and economic activities between Rubanda and Kanungu have collapsed. Travel to Kabale and Kampala has become extremely difficult due to the massive water-logged spot, which he described as resembling a small lake.
Hon. Broosa confirmed that a group of boys have taken to camping at the site, turning the situation into an employment opportunity by carrying vehicles—especially boda bodas—and passengers across the flooded area, charging between 5,000 and 10,000 Ugandan Shillings.
He added that Kanungu produces many farm products destined for markets in Kabale, Kampala, and even Rwanda. The current state of the road has created immense suffering, as patients can no longer access Hamurwa Health Centre IV, and businesspeople fear financial losses.
Broosa called on the responsible government body, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), to urgently address the concern, warning that Kanungu is now practically a landlocked district.
Meanwhile, Rubanda East MP and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, while speaking to Boona Radio, said efforts have been made to improve the area by applying murram. However, the efforts have been thwarted by continued rainfall. He reiterated the same during remarks at a recent wedding party he attended in Hamurwa Subcounty, Rubanda District.
Minister Musasizi urged the affected residents to remain patient until the dry season, which would allow for temporary improvements as they work on a permanent solution.
