VANESSA A
Residents in Bwanga Parish, Nyarushanje Subcounty, Rukungiri District are expressing deep concern over the poor condition of the Omukyiyenje–Kisiizi–Kashambya–Muhanga road. They say the situation has worsened following heavy rains, making the road nearly impassable despite it being the main route for transportation in the area.
The road, which was previously under the management of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), is now under the Ministry of Works following a merger. Residents believe this administrative shift may have caused delays in road maintenance.
Speaking to our reporter, Wilson Byamukama, the LC1 Chairperson of Kyarushongyera Cell in Bwanga Parish, described the deteriorating state of the road, now full of potholes, and revealed that recent floods washed away a bridge in their area.
Byamukama also criticized the poor quality of murram used in past repairs, saying the rains wash it away easily, leaving residents stranded.
Harriet Tukahirwa, the vice chairperson of Kyarushongyera Cell, and Faridah Akankwasa, a resident, echoed these frustrations. They pointed out that the area around Bwanga Health Centre II becomes especially difficult to access during the rains, leaving people without essential health services.
They also mentioned that the drainage pipes that were once installed are no longer functional, leading to persistent flooding. The two women questioned why citizens are encouraged to vote when elected leaders fail to fulfill their promises.
Loland Atwebembeire, another resident of Kyarushongyera Cell, said that despite the risks, business people still attempt to use the road. He noted that about 40 meters of the road have been completely cut off by floods, disrupting transportation and causing delays. He called on the Ministry of Works to act urgently.
Responding to the concerns, Micheal Musiime, the LC3 Chairperson of Nyarushanje Subcounty, acknowledged the challenge posed by the area’s mountainous terrain, which contributes to road damage during heavy rains. He, however, confirmed that plans are underway to install stronger culverts to help manage the water flow.
Musiime also urged the district leadership to monitor roadworks works more closely, especially those roads now under the Ministry of Works. He cited an example of a section from Bwanga Health Centre II to Karigye’s family that was left incomplete.
