VANESSA A
Residents of Rushaka Parish, Nyamirama Subcounty in Kanungu District have called for government intervention on the Matanda–Kihihi Bridge that connects Nyamirama Subcounty and Kihihi Subcounty, which was washed away by heavy rains in the past weeks.
Speaking to our reporter, Katabagwa Festo, LC1 Chairperson of Kyiruruma Cell in Rushaka Parish, revealed that the road is in a sorry state. He said that recently, the culvert pipes on one side were washed away, and now the heavy rains in the past two weeks have completely destroyed the bridge, making transportation difficult—especially access to Matanda Health Centre III, since there is no nearby health facility in Rushaka. He called for urgent government intervention to install stronger culverts.
Dan Turyamwijuka, also a resident of Kyiruruma Cell, expressed concern about the poor state of the bridge, saying residents are greatly affected, especially in accessing health services. He noted that they are now forced to carry sick people on their backs to cross to Matanda Health Centre III for treatment, which is risky, particularly when water levels are high.
He further revealed that the situation is even more challenging at night, as transport fares increase due to the longer alternative routes to the health centre, making it difficult for many people to afford. He added that the bridge previously served as a shortcut to Kihihi Subcounty, even for people from Bwambara Subcounty in Rukungiri District, and called for government intervention.
The LC3 Chairperson of Nyamirama Subcounty, Gad Kabagambe, also confirmed that the bridge is in a sorry state, making transportation difficult for road users. He noted that some people who attempt to use the road risk falling into the water. He added that although the district is aware of the situation and had planned to address it in the 2026/2027 financial year, this is now an emergency requiring immediate government intervention, especially as school-going children are at risk using the route.
Additionally, the LC5 Chairperson of Kanungu District, Sam Kajojo, said the district is aware of the deteriorating state of the bridge after it was washed away by heavy rains. He noted that they are in communication with the Ministry of Works and Transport to secure urgent intervention and resources to restore the bridge to standard. However, he pointed out that although about UGX 20 million had been allocated in the 2026/2027 financial year, the amount may not be sufficient given the extent of the damage and the manpower required.
