Stella T
Residents and local leaders from the villages of Katungu, Rwenyangi, and Kisharara in Rwakirungura Parish, Buyanja Sub-county, Rukungiri District, have taken it upon themselves to repair a bridge on the Bukyakara-Kahunga-Rwenyangi road using hand tools like hoes and pangas. The bridge, which had become nearly unusable, is a vital connection for the three villages to the main road through Buyanja, where residents access essential services, including medical care.
Local leaders, including LC2 Chairperson David Kitekateko and LC1 Chairperson Rev. Muhwezi Milton Buuhe of Katungu, noted that the road and bridge had become impassable due to potholes, stagnant water, and slippery conditions during rains. With the bridge in poor condition and their concerns ignored by authorities, the community decided to take matters into their own hands.
The renovation work began with residents clearing drainage channels and using stones and sand to stabilize the bridge. They expressed their gratitude to Honorable Mary Paul Turyahikayo for her support and vowed to support her in the upcoming elections for Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament.
Residents, led by Amos Ninsiima, Rwereta Absolme, and Allen Turinzirwe, shared that they had repeatedly appealed to their leaders about the poor state of the bridge and road, but to no avail. Faced with challenges like high transportation costs for their agricultural products, they mobilized themselves to restore the road to a passable condition. Although the road had been neglected for years and was overgrown with bushes, the community was determined to improve it using their own labor and resources.
While they are grateful to those who supported their efforts, the residents still appeal to concerned leaders to provide additional assistance, as the community’s self-help efforts alone may not be enough to ensure the road’s long-term usability.
