Long-awaited road projects in Rukungiri District could move closer to implementation following confirmation by the Ministry of Works and Transport that feasibility studies and designs are underway for key roads in the area.
Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungi raised the concerns during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Works led by the Permanent Secretary and a team of engineers.
Kebirungi used the engagement to press the ministry over presidential road pledges that have remained outstanding for years, including the Ntungamo–Rukungiri–Kihihi–Ishasha–Kanungu corridor, as well as new pledges covering connecting routes such as Muhanga–Kisiizi–Rwamucucu–Kebisoni and Kabwohe–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri.
According to Kebirungi, the ministry’s Commissioner, Engineer Isaac Wani, confirmed that feasibility studies and designs are already being undertaken for the Kabwohe–Bugongi–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri–Ruhinda–Kashenshero–Mitooma Road, a 99.2-kilometre route expected to improve connectivity between communities in the region.
The development has raised fresh hopes among residents who have for years called for improved road infrastructure to ease transportation, boost trade and improve access to social services.
The meeting also highlighted wider challenges affecting Uganda’s road construction sector, including delayed and abandoned projects and contract variations that have contributed to increased construction costs.
Kebirungi said the Parliamentary Committee on National Economy is working to address challenges affecting the Ministry of Works and to ensure that road projects are implemented within reasonable timelines while providing value for taxpayers’ money.
She noted that several road projects across the country have experienced prolonged delays, while others have been abandoned.
The legislator attributed part of the problem to frequent contract variations, which she said had contributed to escalating project costs, delays and, in some cases, abandonment of projects.
Kebirungi said her lobbying efforts for Rukungiri would not be limited to roads but would also focus on improving access to water and electricity.
She said electricity construction schemes were already being implemented in the district, describing the projects as part of the development priorities she had advocated for during her campaigns.
The legislator thanked the people of Rukungiri for their support and pledged to continue lobbying the government for improved infrastructure and essential services.
The ongoing feasibility studies are expected to provide the technical and financial groundwork for the proposed road projects, with residents now looking to the Ministry of Works for the next stage of implementation.
By Alex Magala