NATAMBA M
The LC5 Chairperson of Ntungamo District, Samuel Mucunguzi, has officially launched the construction of the 13.7-kilometer Nyaruntutu–Nyakyera road in Ruhaama East, a project valued at UGX 40 million and funded through the Road Fund.
The launch, which was initially scheduled for July 21st, was postponed due to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary campaigns, with the chairperson choosing to adhere to party regulations and avoid any impression of vote-seeking. By the time of the launch, the district engineering team had already completed the bush clearing, marking the end of the first phase of the roadworks.
Mucunguzi emphasized the importance of the road in improving access to markets, especially for agricultural produce such as bananas and coffee. He noted that while the district currently has only one tractor and limited road machinery, additional equipment will be deployed once other ongoing road projects are completed.
He further revealed that there are plans to extend the road by an additional 7 kilometers from Kizara to Wandegera, which would bring the total road length to 21.7 kilometers. The full project is estimated to require a budget of UGX 100 million, which will also cover installation of culverts and maintenance mechanisms such as pothole repairs and water trenching to ensure durability.
According to Moses Twine, the district roads engineer, the construction process involves bush clearing, road formation, and installation of cross culverts in waterlogged sections. The roadworks are expected to be completed within 21 days. He called on local residents to support the work by cooperating with the road team and refraining from tampering with water trenches along the road.
The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Ntungamo District, Gerald Nuwagaba, commended the teamwork among district leaders in delivering services to the people. He highlighted that despite limited tax revenue, efforts are being made to improve infrastructure across the district, which is geographically vast and cannot be fully covered in a single development phase.
Local residents, including Nyakanego village LC1 chairperson Deus Arinatwe and community member Joy Tumuhidwe, expressed gratitude for the road construction. They noted that the road would significantly ease transport challenges, especially for farmers and women. Joy pointed out that the road will help reduce the burden of transporting expectant mothers to distant health facilities, a task that has previously posed a serious challenge in the area.
The Nyaruntutu–Nyakyera road project is expected to enhance rural mobility, improve trade, and provide safer, more efficient access to essential services for the residents of Ruhaama East.
