EDITOR
Residents of Mbuga Parish in Nyakinama Sub-county have accused Kisoro District authorities of frustrating community-led development efforts after officials blocked a local initiative to renovate the badly damaged Mbuga–Chihe–Nyakinama road.
In a move residents describe as “a major blow to service delivery,” district leaders halted an agreement between the community and Muneza Boniface, a local investor who had volunteered to rehabilitate the nearly 10-kilometer stretch connecting Buhayo, Taba, Bugwene, Gase, and Buzigambogo villages. In exchange, the community had offered the investor a free access route to his campsite.
The road, critical for farmers transporting produce to markets, has become nearly impassable, especially during the rainy season, riddled with potholes and gullies. Villagers lament that high transport costs and isolation continue to deepen poverty in the area.
Local leaders say they were blindsided when the district intervened, arguing that Muneza was not part of government programs and promising district-led renovations — promises residents claim have yet to materialize.
Francis Ntaborundimu, LC1 Chairperson of Taba Village, voiced the community’s frustrations:
“We have repeatedly raised our own money to repair the road temporarily. Blocking a willing investor without providing an alternative solution is abandonment.”
Matsiko David, LC2 Chairperson of Mbuga Parish, criticized the district leadership, accusing them of stifling grassroots efforts to improve infrastructure:
“The district should collaborate with us, not frustrate us. Development must start with the people.”
The standoff highlights growing tensions between government bureaucracy and local self-help initiatives, with residents warning that continued inaction could fuel further dissatisfaction.
