Delayed repair of Kabale-Kisoro road causes despair

As heavy rains make a comeback, residents, leaders, and road users in Rubanda district are growing increasingly frustrated by the Uganda National Roads Authority's (UNRA) failure to repair the collapsed Kabale-Kisoro road, which caved in five months ago. 

This road's deterioration has severely disrupted transportation, inconvenienced the local community and adversely impacted economic activities.

The predicament began on May 4, 2023, when a crack initially appeared at Bwara village in Hamurwa town council, Rubanda district, rapidly escalating into a fully-fledged collapse due to relentless mudslides.

The transportation link between Kabale and Kisoro came to a grinding halt for approximately three hours, only reopening to smaller vehicles after traffic police intervention.

Despite repeated pleas for immediate repairs, UNRA's lack of action has left residents feeling neglected and their concerns ignored, amplifying safety fears and apprehensions about further deterioration of the area.

Walls on the collapsed section of Kabale-Kisoro road are being swept away by the current rains (Photo by Job Namanya)

Road users express their frustration over UNRA's handling of the situation, especially given the agency's initial promise to complete repairs within three weeks. However, this commitment was left unfulfilled, and both equipment and workers mysteriously vanished within a week, leaving the community in the lurch.

Januario Ayebare, a bodaboda rider, says UNRA had assured them of a swift resolution within three weeks, but a week later, machines were withdrawn and no progress has been witnessed since.

The remaining accessible portion of the road now presents a significant safety hazard for all users, including pedestrians, schoolchildren, and livestock. Our reporter's recent visit to the area revealed cracks forming in the remaining lane, signalling potential further collapse if the rains persist.

As daily commutes continue to be fraught with peril, residents implore UNRA to honour its commitments and expedite repairs to restore safety and accessibility.

According to Prosper Mubangizi, a taxi driver in the area, this section of the road poses grave danger, especially during the rainy season. He describes the difficulties in navigating past heavy vehicles on the congested road.

 Rubanda district chairperson Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, criticised UNRA for failing to meet the promised repair deadlines, emphasizing the road's vital role in fostering economic growth and connectivity not only within Rubanda District but also in neighbouring regions and countries.

However, UNRA spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa said the road has not been abandoned. 

According to him, UNRA is actively in the process of selecting a contractor for comprehensive investigations, road testing, and design. 

He assured the public that a contractor would be on-site as soon as possible and urged caution while using the congested road to prevent accidents.