Leaders in Ntungamo District have embarked on a community-driven initiative to address the challenges posed by a poor road network in response to delays in the release of road funds and underfunding. Members of Parliament and councillors at various levels are actively engaging with residents, seeking financial contributions from locals and businesspeople to improve the local road infrastructure.
The fundraising initiative, initially launched in Rushenyi County due to perceived inaction from the government in addressing local infrastructure challenges, is now being replicated across the entire district. Locals have taken matters into their own hands, realizing that waiting for government funds is not a viable solution to their pressing road network issues.
Mr. Kana Rwamutemba, a resident of Rushenyi, shared that the community opted to hire equipment from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to address their road-related challenges. Since 2021, they have successfully opened approximately 15km of roads using this method.
The initiative gained momentum through social media platforms like WhatsApp, where Mr. Denis Savimbi, a district councillor for Itojo Sub-county, mobilized support. He emphasized the difficulties faced by the community in waiting for government intervention and highlighted the success in building a market through community efforts.
These fundraising drives typically generate between Shs10m and Shs50m, an amount deemed sufficient to construct high-quality murram roads. This contrasts with the government’s procurement procedures, where completing a similar road might incur a cost exceeding Shs500m.
In Kajara County, MP Michael Timuzigu Kamugisha initiated a community-driven roadworks project, motivating communities to contribute funds for road improvement. Culverts, equipment, and labor are all provided through community efforts, proving to be an effective alternative to government allocations that may fall short.
Acknowledging the limitations of government funding, MP Benjamin Kamukama expressed that the annual allocation of Shs1b for local government roads is insufficient, and the community’s involvement is crucial in maintaining the vast road network.
Ntungamo District Chairperson, Mr. Samuel Mucunguzi, emphasized the inadequacy of central government funding for roads, stating that residents must actively participate in maintaining the existing road network. The district’s five-year development plan outlines a substantial road network of 2,220kms, with district roads totaling 689km. The current community-led efforts serve as a practical approach to overcoming funding challenges and improving road infrastructure.
