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The Isingiro District Local Government has commissioned the newly constructed Kushuro Bridge in Isingiro District.

The bridge was constructed at a cost of sh1,903,497,380 by the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP) under the Social and Economic Services and Infrastructure component. The bridge was officially commissioned by Lt Col Bright Rwamirama, the State Minister for Agriculture In charge of Animal Industry.

Described as a lifeline, it has boosted the local economy and investment and connects residents in the district to essential services, markets and opportunities. It replaces the old bridge that was washed away by floods in 2013, leaving the communities of Nyamuyanja and Kabuyanda isolated and vulnerable.

“This bridge is not just a structure that spans the river, when this bridge was washed away, we were largely affected because a narrow foot strip had remained hanging. It could not support any vehicle or many people, it was very risky and inconvenient, we are so grateful to see it officially being opened,” said Abdu Nsamba, a 50-year-old resident of Kishuro parish in Isingiro North.

The commissioned multi-billion Kishuro bridge.

Residents said the lack of connectivity affected the health, education and livelihoods of people in the area.

“Accessing health centres in Kabuyana and Nyamuyanja became difficult, especially for pregnant women, children and the elderly,” Nsamba added. 

Cases of children dropping out of schools increased because of walking long distances including crossing streams which was risky.

Umar Mulindwa, an elderly man, noted that the breakdown of the bridge largely affected transportation of their produce such as matooke, cattle and other goods saying they had to pay high prices to transporters who would camp across the bridge, even some sold at low prices to middlemen who exploited them.

“We could not reach markets at all,” Mulindwa added.

Grace Nankunda, another resident, said the new bridge has also enhanced the social cohesion and integration of the people as they can now often visit their relatives and friends across the river and also participate in cultural and religious activities together.

In his speech, minister Rwamirama was happy to note that the situation has dramatically changed and hailed the government’s intervention through DRDIP for constructing a bridge he said is very strong, wide and durable.

“The bridge can support heavy vehicles and many people at once, it also has safety rails and is well-marked for visibility even at night,” Rwamirama added.

“Our people now have more options and opportunities to sell their products and earn more income. We are very grateful to the government under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni and development partners for this great investment,” he added.

Rwamirama said the bridge is a symbol of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of the people, especially those affected by displacement and conflict.

“The bridge is a testimony of the government's vision of transforming Uganda into a middle-income country by 2040,” said Aaron Turahi, the Isingiro District chairman.

Turahi said the bridge is part of the broader DRDIP project which aims to improve the social and economic condition of the communities hosting refugees and the refugees themselves. The project has also supported other interventions in the district, such as water supply, sanitation, health, education, environment and livelihoods.

In the same week, leaders also commissioned a theatre at Rugaaga HCIV and staff houses, constructed education facilities at Nyakakoni, Rwamurunga, and Mulema Muslim primary schools,  as well as an animal laboratory constructed at the Isingiro District headquarters.

Alex Bakunda, the MP Isingiro South, hailed a lot of transformation realised especially in rural areas and said the commissioning of the bridge was part of showcasing the many projects the NRM government has achieved.

Bukanga MP Stephen Kangwagye thanked contractors for completing the work on time and producing good work.