Hopes of locals and leaders in Rukiga District to see President Yoweri Museveni’s pledge of tarmacking the Muhanga-Kisiizi-Kebisoni and Rutobo-Kyogo-Muhanga roads are fading due to a prolonged lack of response.
The 61-kilometer Muhanga-Kisiizi-Kebisoni road connects Rukiga and Rukungiri Districts, while the 38-kilometer Rutobo-Kyogo-Muhanga road links Uganda and Rwanda. Both roads fall under the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).
Museveni initially promised to tarmac these roads during the 2001 presidential campaigns and reiterated the promise in 2016. However, the locals and leaders have grown weary of waiting.
Alineo Bandaganiire of Kashambya Sub County expressed frustration with Museveni for not fulfilling his promises.
Bandaganiire feels particularly aggrieved seeing tarmacked roads in other areas while those in Rukiga District struggle with dusty roads despite their support for the National Resistance Movement Party. Robert Mbabazi Kakwerere, Rukiga District LC5 Chairman, echoed these sentiments, stating that they are tired of waiting for the pledge to be honored.
Fred Nayebare Kyamuzigyita, Rukiga Resident District Commissioner, acknowledged the dissatisfaction among locals and leaders regarding the unfulfilled promise. He added that efforts are being made to follow up with higher offices.
In July 2022, a section of residents and local leaders asked the government to declare the district “hard to reach” due to the poor road network. The district has a total road network of 659 kilometers, with 91 kilometers under UNRA, 165 kilometers under the district’s jurisdiction, 95 kilometers classified as urban roads, and 308 kilometers as community access roads..