President Yoweri Museveni has promised a full road construction unit for Bugweri District to help local authorities maintain and improve the district’s road network. Speaking at a campaign rally at Kyabazinga Grounds in Ibaako village, Bugweri Town Council, Museveni said the additional unit will enable the district to work on most of its roads effectively.
The pledge followed a memorandum from Bugweri District NRM Chairperson, Shaban Nkuutu, who highlighted challenges arising from the incomplete road unit currently in the district. Nkuutu noted that despite an additional allocation of one billion shillings, much of the funds are spent on hiring extra equipment, leaving roads in poor condition.
“The situation worsens during the rainy season, as water destroys drainage systems and newly graveled roads in less than a year,” Nkuutu said. Museveni explained that a significant number of road units were acquired from Japan and distributed to local governments nationwide. He said Bugweri, being a newer district, initially received an incomplete unit but will be prioritized in the second phase of distribution.
“With a complete road construction unit, authorities will be able to maintain roads without reservations, improving accessibility for all,” Museveni said. Bugweri Woman MP, Rachel Magola, who chairs the district roads committee, noted that two key roads connecting to Namutumba and Bugiri were recently repaired, only to be destroyed again by heavy rains. She emphasized that a standby road unit at district headquarters would allow timely remedial works to prevent total destruction.
District L.C.V Chairperson Shafi Muziransa added that about 65% of Bugweri is covered by wetlands, which overflow during rainy seasons and contribute to severe gully erosion on roads. He explained that the current unit, consisting only of a grader, is inadequate for timely widening and leveling, leading to extensive road damage. Muziransa expressed optimism that the acquisition of a full road unit will help address the district’s infrastructural challenges and restore public confidence.
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