NELSON K
Residents of Kanungu District have called upon newly appointed leaders whom they entrusted with overwhelming votes to prioritize road improvement, especially tourism roads, extension of clean water services, and full implementation of facilities at Kanungu Referral Hospital, Kambunga.
Speaking to Boona Radio, the Rugyeyo Sub-county District Councillor, Mr Joseph Akakwaasa, said poor and deteriorating road infrastructure, including broken bridges, has greatly affected socio-economic transformation in the area.
He urged the new leadership to prioritise the improvement of feeder, local, and district roads. Mr Akakwaasa further warned that tourism roads require urgent attention, noting that a tourist lost their life in a road accident in recent years due to poor road conditions an issue he said has discouraged tourism and stalled economic growth in the district.
Mr Akakwaasa also called for urgent action at Kanungu Referral Hospital, Kambunga, saying that although the tarmac road passes through Nyamirama Town Council, it bypasses Kambunga Sub-county, leaving the hospital disconnected.
He added that despite being designated a referral hospital, the facility lacks essential medical services, describing it as “a referral hospital in name only.” He urged the newly appointed leaders to ensure immediate improvement in infrastructure, equipment, and service delivery.
Meanwhile, the Rubimbwa Parish Councillor in Kilima Sub-county, Mr Bruno Ahimbisibwe, also appealed to leaders to prioritise the extension of water and electricity services to ease the hardships faced by residents.
He echoed calls for urgent intervention on deteriorating tourism roads, despite temporary repairs on some sections. Mr Ahimbisibwe urged leaders to remind President Yoweri Museveni to fulfil his pledge to tarmac key roads including Kanyantorogo–Bwindi, Kabale–Kanungu, and Kihiihi–Katunguru roads.
He noted that while residents understand that all roads may not be constructed at once, government should progressively improve them over time.
Additionally, other residents, together with the sitting Rutenga LC5 Chairperson, Mr. Ainembabazi Broosa, called for the prioritisation of the education sector. They noted that many primary and secondary schools lack adequate staffing and essential infrastructure, which has hindered education progress in Kanungu District.
Mr. Broosa also raised concern over water scarcity, revealing that over 100 households still depend on rivers and ponds for water. She said this has contributed to the spread of water-borne diseases and increased medical expenses among residents.
Like other speakers, she emphasized the urgent need for road improvement, noting that the poor state of roads continues to hinder socio-economic activities not only in Rutenga but across the entire district.
