MICHAEL N
Residents of Kyabashenyi–Nyamunuka in Nyamunuka Town Council, Kajara County, Ntungamo District, are demanding urgent intervention from authorities to repair the damaged Libya Bridge, which was washed away by heavy rains more than six months ago.
The wooden bridge, located in Kitare Cell, Kyabashenyi Ward, was swept away by floods, leaving residents stranded and disrupting transport between Kyabashenyi and Kahengye Town, as well as other surrounding areas. Since then, movement of people and goods has become increasingly difficult and risky.
Comrade Nwandinda, a boda boda rider operating at Kyabashenyi stage, says the destruction of Libya Bridge has greatly affected their daily work. He explains that motorcycles, trucks and other vehicles can no longer safely cross, forcing riders and motorists to use longer alternative routes to access the Ntungamo–Rukungiri main road.
According to him, this has increased fuel costs and reduced their earnings.
Residents say the bridge has become a major bottleneck, especially for farmers and cattle keepers who rely on it to transport their produce.
Asa Byaruhanga, a resident of the area, describes the bridge as a long-standing challenge that has not been addressed. He accuses the Nyamunuka Town Council leadership of failing to renovate the bridge, which has made it difficult for farmers to transport coffee, beans, bananas and milk to markets.
However, Asa expresses optimism that the newly elected mayor, who hails from the same area, will prioritize its rehabilitation.
He further suggests that even before the Town Council allocates funds for permanent construction, well-wishers and residents could mobilize timber and trees to set up a temporary structure to ease transport.
Meanwhile, the LC3 Councilor-elect for Kyabashenyi Ward, Marvin Mubanginzi Bujanga, acknowledges the residents’ concerns. He says the damaged bridge has forced people to take longer routes, affecting trade and reducing local revenue as taxable goods are diverted elsewhere due to poor accessibility.
Marvin, however, urges residents to remain patient, noting that the new leadership, including the mayor and the Member of Parliament-elect, are from the area and have pledged to work together to ensure the bridge is renovated.
