Local leaders and residents of Hoima City’s west division are expressing a collective demand for the immediate rehabilitation of deteriorating roads and the prompt repair of damaged bridges. They argue that the current dry season presents an opportune time for these essential repairs, as opposed to the past rainy season which allegedly caused delays.
George Kirya, the councilor of Kibingo ward, voiced concern over the prolonged neglect of a broken bridge at Wambabya River. This crucial link between Kasanga village and Ruyanja village collapsed in October of the previous year, leaving the community stranded. Despite promises from Hoima City Council leaders to address the issue during the dry season, no visible progress has been made since the rains ceased in December.
Kirya highlighted the hazardous conditions residents face daily due to the unrepaired bridge. Several incidents, including the tragic death of a bodaboda rider who fell into the running water, underscore the urgency of fixing the infrastructure.
John Tumusiime, a Ruyanja resident, emphasized the adverse impact of the bridge’s disrepair on local businesses. The inability to cross to other areas hampers access to vital social services, such as health facilities and markets, and impedes normal business operations.
In response to mounting concerns, Hoima City Mayor Brian Kaboyo urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that both roads and broken bridges would soon undergo necessary repairs. Kaboyo explained that the government recently released sh500m, part of the one billion allocated for district and city road rehabilitation. He mentioned that the funds would be utilized to start work on the Wambabya River bridge and several other roads in the city.
Mayor Kaboyo clarified that the city possesses the required road equipment and is in the process of hiring machinery, settling service provider payments, purchasing fuel, and acquiring necessary materials. The sh500m will also be allocated for the rehabilitation of other key roads in Hoima City, including Kyakadongo, Kyarwabyamba-Kyadikyo, Kasasa-Kasingo, and Kicwamba-Butebere.
This situation is a continuation of last year’s November directive from the Works Minister Katumba Wamala, advising against the use of the one billion shillings earmarked for road rehabilitation during the rainy season. The delay was considered a preventive measure to avoid unnecessary damage to newly repaired roads.
