Kabale-Kisoro road network plays a vital role in connecting communities, supporting trade, and facilitating regional integration. However, recent experiences along the this road raise serious concerns about road safety, maintenance, and institutional responsibility.
Having recently traveled this route, I was struck by the number of hazardous sections that pose a real and immediate danger to road users. These are not minor inconveniences, they are life-threatening risks that demand urgent attention.
Dangerous Spots That Cannot Be Ignored
One of the most alarming areas is located at Omurutenga, shortly after Kabasharira Corner Hamurwa Sub-county. As drivers ascend toward the top of the climbing lane, there is a visibly unstable section of the road that appears likely to give way. If no intervention is made, this could result not only in loss of life but also in the complete disruption of transport between Kabale and Kisoro.
Such a scenario would have far-reaching economic consequences. This road is a crucial trade corridor linking Uganda to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Any blockage would severely affect cross-border trade and local livelihoods.
Further along the route, in Omuryabinyindo, between Omubwindi and Heisesero in Muko Sub-county, Rubanda District, there are at least two additional high-risk sections. These are particularly dangerous because they are located on sharp corners, making them difficult to detect, especially for first-time drivers, tourists, and unfamiliar road users.
A Lack of Basic Safety Measures
Perhaps the most troubling issue is the complete absence of road markings, warning signs, or any form of hazard demarcation at these critical points. This lack of basic safety infrastructure significantly increases the risk of accidents.
For a road that serves both local communities and international travelers, such negligence is unacceptable. Simple measures—such as warning signs, reflective markers, or temporary barriers—could save lives while more permanent repairs are being planned.
Evidence of Ongoing Natural Hazards
Another affected area is at Karengyere, just after St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School, heading toward Kisoro. This section appears to have been damaged by landslides, a common occurrence in the Kigezi region due to its mountainous terrain.
While natural hazards cannot be prevented, their impact can certainly be managed. Regular inspections, timely maintenance, and proactive safety measures are essential in such high-risk environments.
Where Is the Response?
What is most concerning is that these dangerous conditions have existed for several months without any visible action from the responsible authorities. This raises difficult but necessary questions:
- Is action only taken after lives are lost?
- Why has there been no communication or visible intervention?
- Why are even the most basic safety measures, such as warning signs, not in place?
Ugandans deserve answers.
A Call for Immediate Action
The Kabale–Kisoro road was constructed in 2007 at a cost of approximately 152 billion Ugandan shillings by Solel Boneh International, with the intention of strengthening vital trade links to the Kyanika border (Rwanda) and Bunagana border (DRC). Given its strategic importance, maintaining this road should be a national priority.
At the very least, authorities should deploy engineers to assess the situation and install temporary warning signs to alert road users of imminent danger. This is a simple, cost-effective step that could prevent accidents while long-term solutions are developed.
Road safety is not optional, it is a responsibility. The current state of the Kabale–Kisoro road reflects a worrying gap between infrastructure development and maintenance.
Ugandans, as well as international road users, need reassurance that the institutions responsible for road management are capable, responsive, and committed to protecting lives.
The time for silence has passed. What is needed now is swift, visible, and decisive action.
By: Bob Rumanzi N
A concerned Resident of Rubanda District
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