The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), a Dutch-based nonprofit science organization, in partnership with the Rubanda District Local Government, has invested UGX 1.6 billion to rehabilitate the Ndeego-Nshanjare road in Rubanda West County. This 13.4-kilometer road connects Ikumba Sub County and Nshanjare Town Council, and the project aims to improve farmers’ access to markets for their agricultural produce.
For over four years, the road has been in poor condition, causing severe difficulties for locals. Residents such as John Bagyenyi and Laurencio Turamyoomwe from Kiriba Village, Ndeego Parish, Ikumba Sub County, shared how vehicles would often become stuck due to deep, water-filled potholes, especially during rainy seasons. They welcomed IFDC’s intervention as it would ease transportation of their produce to markets and improve access to health facilities.
Kiganira Ibrahim, the Project Manager for IFDC, explained that the road rehabilitation is part of the “Bright” Project, which focuses on building resilience and promoting inclusive growth in highland farming systems. He noted that during consultations, locals expressed their desperation for better roads, as the poor infrastructure allowed buyers to exploit them when selling agricultural products.
Rubanda District Engineer, John Habimana, outlined that the rehabilitation will involve widening the road to eight meters, grading, and applying marrum. Additionally, a proper drainage system will be installed. The project, which began this Thursday, is expected to be completed within three months under favorable conditions or six months if weather disturbances occur.
Eric Ssewandigi, the Resident District Commissioner for Rubanda, noted that poor road access had hindered efforts to promote government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), as leaders struggled to reach the area. Rubanda District LC5 Chairman Stephen Kasyaba Ampere warned the district engineer and technical team against misconduct, such as siphoning fuel, which would compromise the quality of the project.
