VANESSA A
Rukungiri District Engineer Julius Bagyira has confirmed that several structural road rehabilitation projects will be implemented in the first and second quarters of the 2025/2026 financial year.
Speaking to our reporter in an exclusive interview, Eng. Bagyira noted that the district is working on rehabilitating a number of roads to ease the transportation of agricultural produce to markets and improve general mobility for residents across Rukungiri District.
He mentioned that in the first quarter, works are ongoing on roads such as Kazindiro–Kyaburere Road in Bugangari Subcounty, where only the construction of water trenches and addition of murram remain. Other projects include the Kakingi–Ahamuyanja Road in Kebisoni Town Council and the Omukyishanda–Ndago Road, where murram application is pending. He, however, revealed that progress has been slowed by a mechanical problem affecting the district’s only grader, which is currently under repair. Once fixed, road works will resume and several projects will be completed.
Eng. Bagyira further highlighted that in the second quarter, more roads—such as the Kilimbe–Kagana–Nyakyisoroza Road—will be worked on. He acknowledged the challenge of operating with only one grader for the entire district but called for patience from the public, assuring that all roads, including community access roads, will eventually be rehabilitated to support smooth transportation and local development.
He also pointed out challenges faced during the exercise, including residents who cut trees near roads in areas like Nyarushanje and Nyakyishenyi Subcounties. These activities, he said, damage drainage trenches. Others collect sand from road surfaces and riverbeds near bridges, accelerating road destruction. He urged parish chiefs to sensitize communities about the dangers of these practices and to help stop them.
In conclusion, Eng. Bagyira emphasized that most of the roads under their care are murram roads, which often become impassable during the rainy season—especially due to heavy trucks carrying sand, timber, and other goods. He expressed hope that the government will secure enough funds to tarmac more roads in the future and appreciated the government’s efforts in tarmacking the Rukungiri–Kihihi–Ishasha Road, which has already reduced transport challenges in the area.
