Simpson M
Residents of Rugandu in Katojo Parish, Rutenga Sub County, Kanungu District, have taken matters into their own hands by using hand hoes to repair the dilapidated 10-kilometer Kelele-Rugandu-Kirimbe road. This vital route connects Kelele to Kilimbe and is crucial for accessing Kisiizi Hospital, where many residents receive medical treatment. Despite being the responsibility of the district local government for maintenance, the road has been neglected.
Buroosa Ainembabazi, the district councilor representing Rutenga Sub County, highlighted the impassable condition of the road due to potholes, stagnant water, and mud, particularly during rainy seasons, posing a high risk of accidents. Frustrated by the lack of government action, residents, including those from Rugandu, Nyabizuulu, Garaama, and Kyanjobe villages, have initiated efforts to rehabilitate the road.
Using hand hoes, pangas, slashers, and local tools, they are working on opening drainage channels and filling potholes with stones and soil. Buroosa emphasized that the community could not wait for the government to address the issue, as their businesses were suffering due to the impassable roads.
Residents Pasion Tubyamusiima and Gloria Owaruhanga, who participated in the roadwork, expressed their concerns about the road remaining unrehabilitated for several years. The road is now overgrown with bushes, limiting visibility for users. They stressed the importance of using their labor and local methods to bring the road to a certain standard that can last for several years.
Due to the sorry state of the road, residents have been forced to use a more distant and expensive alternative, affecting their businesses and daily activities. Farmers and businesspeople in the area face challenges transporting their timber and Irish potatoes, leading to reduced earnings from their produce.
Tubyamusiima and Owaruhanga appealed to concerned leaders to provide support, as the community had taken on the responsibility themselves after the authorities failed to address the pressing issue.
