Residents list urgent infrastructure needs as Sheema welcomes Museveni

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Residents of Sheema district are calling on the government to address the persistent problems of poor roads and under-resourced health services ahead of the 2026 elections, as the district prepares to host President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday (December 2).

District leaders and residents carried out a major clean-up and decorated Kabwohe town in NRM colours. By Monday afternoon, the streets had been painted yellow, and campaign posters of the President and district NRM flag bearers were displayed on shop fronts, street poles and buildings. Vendors were also selling campaign T-shirts branded “Protecting the Gains” and “The Unstoppable Uganda”.

Sheema district woman MP flag bearer Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa, who led the exercise, urged residents to turn up in large numbers.

“Sheema has benefited greatly from President Museveni’s leadership, safe and clean water, electricity, and programmes that empower women and the youth. Let us show our appreciation by welcoming him in big numbers,” she said.

(Credit: Bruno Mugizi)

(Credit: Bruno Mugizi)

As preparations continue, residents say they still face major challenges, especially poor road infrastructure. The Kabwohe–Masheruka–Bwizibwera–Nsiika road, a key route for farmers and traders across Mbarara, Buhweju, Sheema and Ibanda districts, becomes almost impassable during the rainy season, leaving communities stranded and goods undelivered.

“When it rains, the road turns into mud. Transporting our tea and bananas to market becomes impossible. We work hard, yet we remain poor,” said Charles Nkuruho of Masheruka town council.

Elias Mugisha, also from Masheruka town council, added: “Our community suffers every rainy season. Children cannot reach schools on time, and farmers lose income because trucks cannot access our villages. We urgently need the road tarmacked.”

Other rural roads, including the Kabwohe–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri road, also remain in poor condition, affecting trade, transport and emergency services.

Health services continue to challenge residents. At Kabwohe Health Centre IV, patients previously faced long waiting times due to understaffing and limited resources. The facility is currently undergoing rehabilitation, with upgrades expected to improve service delivery.

“The rehabilitation of Kabwohe Health Centre IV will go a long way in serving more patients efficiently. We hope the improvements are completed soon,” said Godwin Nuwaha of Migina ward.

Sheema Municipality MP Dicksons Kateshumbwa welcomed government investment, including the ongoing rehabilitation of Kabwohe Health Centre IV, but added that more needs to be done.

“We appreciate the upgrading of Kabwohe Health Centre IV, but Kitagata Hospital also needs to be elevated to referral level to serve the growing population in Sheema and surrounding districts,” Kateshumbwa said.

Although Sheema has fertile land, many households still struggle to earn a decent income. Smallholder tea, banana and coffee farmers cite limited market access and poor roads as major obstacles.

“We work every day on our farms, but poverty is still here. We need government support for markets, roads and training,” said a tea farmer in Shuuku town council.

Godfrey Mucunguzi of Kibutamk in Sheema Municipality called for the revival of the Rubaare Slick project in Sheema Central Division, a multibillion shilling initiative previously abandoned due to misuse of funds.

“The Rubaare Slick project has the potential to generate income, create employment opportunities, and boost local economic growth. Proper funding and management could reduce unemployment and provide much-needed livelihoods for youth and residents in the division,” Mucunguzi said.

The Rubaare Slick project was initially designed to provide industrial processing facilities for local agricultural produce, improve market access and attract private investment. Residents believe its revival would stimulate business, create jobs and strengthen Sheema’s economic development.

Residents also urged the President to prioritise tarmacking critical roads, upgrading hospitals and supporting local industries.

“The Kabwohe–Masheruka–Bwizibwera–Nsiika and Kabwohe–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri roads should be tarmacked so that farmers can reach markets easily,” said Imam Kusasira.

Sheema municipality deputy mayor Nakarisa Lukia asked the President to establish an industrial park in the municipality, rehabilitate the Mbarara–Ishaka road and upgrade Kitagata General Hospital to referral status. She noted that an industrial park would attract investment, create jobs and boost economic growth, helping to tackle youth unemployment.