Residents living along the Kyabakuza-Misanvu-Mateete-Kaliiro road are currently facing a dire situation as the route has been rendered impassable due to flooding. This has left them stranded without access to essential services and transportation, prompting confusion among locals who are now forced to navigate through homes and forests to find alternative routes.
The road, which serves as a vital connection between Masaka, Lwengo, Bukomansimbi, and Sembabule districts, has become inundated, making it impossible for vehicles to pass through. In response to this crisis, resourceful youngsters have taken matters into their own hands by offering rides across the flooded sections of the road for a fee, providing a lifeline for those in desperate need of transportation.
One local who has turned himself into a makeshift human carrier for quick business shared, “Everyone we carry across at a cost of Shs2,000 and since this morning I have earned Shs50,000.” However, the lack of action from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has left residents feeling disappointed, with promises made by President Museveni during the 1996 campaign to improve the road infrastructure in the area remaining unfulfilled.
Gorreth Namugga, the representative for Mawogola South, expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “President Museveni promised us a tarmac road but since then they only put marram on this useful road in our area. So, now we no longer need marram, we need tarmac.” The 70-km road, crucial for commerce and connectivity in the region, had seen some repairs funded by UNRA through AZU Properties Limited and Impulse Solutions, but these efforts have proven to be insufficient, with the road succumbing to flooding and collapsing barriers.
UNRA spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa acknowledged the severity of the situation, revealing that the Authority has yet to disburse funds to the contractor responsible for the road’s construction and maintenance. Mr. Ssempebwa assured that discussions are ongoing with the contractor to address the issue promptly. However, if the contractor fails to act, UNRA is prepared to utilize its limited resources to initiate repairs and restore access to the affected communities.
As residents continue to face the challenges brought about by the flooded road, there is a growing sense of urgency for immediate action from government authorities and relevant stakeholders to alleviate the plight of those stranded and prevent further disruptions to livelihoods and economic activities in the region.
