MUGABE R
Residents of Bikungu Ward in Mutara Town Council, Mitooma District, have criticized their District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Juliet Agasha Bashisha, for the state of Kahama Bridge, which she previously volunteered to reconstruct.
Kahama Bridge, located in Furuma Village, Bikungu Ward, serves a critical purpose by connecting residents of Bikungu, Furuma, and Nyakizinga parishes, as well as travelers accessing Mutara Town Council headquarters, Kitagata Town Council, and Kabira Town Council, fostering socio-economic activities in the area.
In late December 2024, Hon. Bashisha initiated the reconstruction of the timber bridge, but residents claim the work was substandard, leaving the bridge impassable.
Bosco Muhangi, also known as Kabuganda, expressed deep concern, stating that Hon. Bashisha demolished a sturdy bridge and left residents stranded, unable to market their produce due to the disrupted road network. Efforts to petition her about the issue have reportedly yielded no response.
Julius Amumpa, a resident of Runazi Village in Bikungu Ward, urged politicians to undertake realistic projects instead of making false promises. He called on Hon. Bashisha to replace the failed culverts with timber to restore the bridge.
Wilson Kamberaho, the LC1 Chairperson of Runazi Village, disclosed plans to seek support from the Kazoora Foundation, citing failed attempts by Hon. Bashisha to deliver on her promise. He highlighted that Mutara Town Council previously supported the bridge maintenance by providing timber, but Hon. Bashisha’s intervention led to the current issues.
Damoni Nasasira, the Mayor of Mutara Town Council, acknowledged past efforts to maintain the bridge through communal work and timber sponsorship. He noted that the project to permanently reconstruct the bridge, lobbied by Hon. Bashisha, fell short. However, he urged residents to avoid harsh criticism, emphasizing the depth and complexity of the bridge’s reconstruction and recognizing Hon. Bashisha’s voluntary efforts.
In her defense, Hon. Juliet Agasha Bashisha condemned the criticism, pointing out that bridge maintenance is not directly her role. She pledged to collaborate with district authorities to address the issue effectively.
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