18th May 2023
By Charles Katabalwa
Government has assured Pilgrims from western Uganda that they will use Katonga Bridge while coming for this year’s 3rd June Uganda Martyrs day celebrations at Namugongo.
The Bridge, which is a major gateway to the western part of Uganda and key regional borders like Tanzania, DR Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, caved in last Thursday following devastating flash floods that swept through the area including a section of the Katonga Bridge.
This created fear among pilgrims from western Uganda that they will walk more 190 kilometers passing through Ssembabule to Namugongo Martyrs shrines.
While delivering the Achievements of Ministry of Works as per 2022-2026 NRM Manifesto at the Prime Minister’s office (OPM) the Minister of State for Works and Transport (Works) Musa Francis Ecweru revealed that government is concerned about the pilgrims from North Ankole Diocese who set off their journey today Thursday 18th /May/2023, that they will work extra time and days to ensure that those walking to Namugongo don’t suffer long distance.
Ecweru adds that everything needed is already on site for the planned emergency works to allow traffic flow and by the time these pilgrims reach Katonga bridge pedestrian walkway will be completed because the task of restoring traffic flow at the damaged section of the highway is being managed by competent engineers.
On the issue of fulfilling the 2021 – 2026 NRM manifesto Ecweru said the ministry has scored quite well with over 767km of road projects have been completed, construction of Hoima International Airport, completion of rehabilitation of Tororo- Namanve railway, Refurbishment of 26.8km of Kampala Mukono railway commenced among other all are in these first 2 years.
He however disclosed that despite the smooth running of works in the ministry they face a challenge of high inflation in the country which has led to hiking of prices for fuel and all construction materials before one gets to the climate changes.
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