Simpson M
Residents of Rugandu in Katojo Parish, Rutenga Sub-county, Kanungu District, have expressed their frustration over the deteriorating state of the Kelele-Rugandu-Kirimbe road, which has significantly hindered development in the area.
This vital road connects Rubanda District via Kirimbe-Kelele and provides access to Kisiizi Hospital, a primary healthcare facility for many residents. Despite its importance, the road’s maintenance, which falls under the district local government’s responsibilities, has been neglected.
Locals report that the road has become nearly impassable due to numerous potholes, stagnant water, and mud, making it slippery and a frequent site of accidents whenever it rains.
For the past three years, residents have taken it upon themselves to maintain the road using hand hoes, pangas, slashers, and other tools to open drainage channels and fill potholes with stones and soil, all without government support.
Pauson Turyamusiima, a local resident, noted that the road has gone several years without rehabilitation and is now so overgrown with bushes that users cannot see oncoming traffic.
As a result, many have stopped using the road altogether, opting for a longer and more costly alternative route.
Turyamusiima also expressed concern about the poor condition of the Kilimbe-Katojo-Rutenga road, which could have served as an alternative route but is also in disrepair. The poor state of these roads has made transportation and trade difficult for residents, many of whom are farmers and business people. High transportation costs have reduced their earnings from timber and Irish potatoes.
The residents are appealing to the relevant authorities to repair the road, as their current situation is causing them significant hardship.
