Relief in Mitooma as construction of sh8bn Ncwera bridge starts

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Residents of Mitooma district are celebrating the start of construction of the Ncwera Bridge, following the groundbreaking ceremony presided over by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North, Thomas Tayebwa.

The bridge, which will be built at a cost of sh8 billion, is expected to play a pivotal role in improving the transport network, enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth in the area.

Deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa walking through Ncwera, a temporary bridge made of wood which residents constructed after their concrete bridge was destroyed by floods in 2021. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

The launch, held on November 21, 2025, has brought renewed optimism among residents, many of whom say the long-awaited project will significantly improve their daily lives after years of hardship.

Wycliff Begyesa, a resident of Kyamuyebya village, said the old bridge posed serious risks to the community and disrupted business not only within Kyamuyebya but across the wider Mitooma District.

The bridge sits along the Mitooma to Rutookye road and provides access to Rutookye town council, Mitooma and Bitereko subcounties, serving thousands of residents.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, getting an explanation about the project for the construction of sh8 billion Ncwera Bridge. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

“In the year 2021, this bridge was washed away by flash floods caused by the overflowing river, and from that time we have suffered a lot, many thanks to the NRM government for this dream come true,” Asiimwe Kabigumira, the area district councillor from Karangara parish, said.

Until now, residents have relied on a makeshift footbridge constructed by the community. Vehicles have been forced to use alternative routes requiring detours of up to 30 to 40 kilometres, resulting in delays, increased transport costs and limited access to essential services such as Nyakisojwa Health Centre III, Nkinga Schools and other social facilities.

Once completed, the new bridge is expected to support agriculture and other economic activities. During the ceremony, Thomas Tayebwa thanked President Yoweri Museveni for issuing directives that enabled the project to begin.

Two women cross the temporary Ncwera bridge that was constructed by the locals after their bridge was washed away by floods in 2021. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

He suggested that the bridge be named Yoweri Museveni Bridge, a proposal that received overwhelming support from attendees who also pledged their backing for the President in the forthcoming general elections.

Tayebwa urged residents to use the bridge productively once completed and called on the contractor to employ local labour. He also encouraged the community to support the contractor and cautioned them against stealing construction materials.

Other district leaders praised the government under President Museveni for releasing funds for the long-awaited project.

A motorcyclist rides over the temporary Ncwera bridge that was constructed by the locals after their bridge was washed away by floods in 2021. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Eng. Okullo Steve Jeroboam, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Waiswa Bageya, said the bridge will have a lifespan of over 100 years.

He assured district leaders that the ministry will closely supervise the project to ensure compliance with standards and timelines. He also appealed to the contractor to deliver quality work and invited continued support from both community members and leaders.

Bageya further commended all partners involved in the planning and implementation of the project.