NELSON K
Tensions have erupted in Rubanda District after some local government technical officers and leaders reportedly rejected culverts donated by Hon. Prossy Begumisa Mbabazi, the Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament. The culverts were meant to repair a broken bridge along the Kyenyi–Kabisha–Rubanda Town Council road, but political disagreements are now being blamed for their rejection.
The bridge, located in Kyenyi Parish, Muko Subcounty, was washed away by heavy rains and storms in March 2025, leaving the road impassable and disrupting transport and local trade. In response, Hon. Prossy Mbabazi donated four culverts to help reconstruct the bridge and restore transport services.
However, Muko Subcounty LC3 Chairperson Mr. Patrick Abeneimwe, commonly known as Mukwate, told Boona Radio that the culverts were not used after district engineers and other leaders allegedly refused to approve their installation. He accused some district officials, including the councilor representing Muko Subcounty, the district finance minister, and the district engineering department, of rejecting the donation due to political influence.
Mr. Mukwate claimed that the move was politically motivated, saying the culverts were sidelined under the influence of powerful figures who seek to frustrate Hon. Prossy Mbabazi’s political progress ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“The culverts were brought in good faith to solve a real community problem, but some leaders chose politics over service delivery,” said Mukwate. “Residents eventually decided to construct the bridge themselves using wooden logs and timbers through Burungi bwansi (communal work) because they had waited too long.”
The LC3 Chairperson condemned what he termed as “silly political fights” that continue to undermine development in Rubanda District, warning that such acts hurt the local population more than the intended political targets.
When contacted by Boona Radio, Hon. Prossy Begumisa Mbabazi declined to comment directly on the allegations, saying investigations should first be conducted to establish the facts. She noted that the political season often comes with misinformation, propaganda, and hidden motives.
Meanwhile, Rubanda District Engineer Mr. John Habimaana declined to comment on the matter. He initially disconnected the call when asked about the bridge issue but later said that any official communication should be directed to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), who would authorize the appropriate response.
As the culverts remain dumped near the site in Kyenyi, residents continue to rely on their makeshift wooden bridge to access markets, schools, and health facilities — a stark reminder of how political rivalry can delay critical community infrastructure.
