Rubanda, Uganda – Leaders in Rubanda District have accused the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) of neglecting the district’s road network by deploying road maintenance equipment to other regions while local communities continue to suffer poor infrastructure.
Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba raised the concern during the swearing-in ceremony of Ruhija Town Council LC3 councilors, questioning why UWA-owned road equipment is not being used within the district despite the growing need for road maintenance.
Kasyaba said UWA possesses machines capable of improving the condition of rural roads but alleged that none have been stationed in Rubanda. He urged the authority to make the equipment available locally, noting that the district is willing to provide fuel and support for their operation.
He challenged the UWA Executive Director to ensure equitable distribution of road machinery, arguing that communities living near protected areas also deserve improved infrastructure.
“Before they ask for better roads, they should also work hard to bring the machines to work and maintain the roads,” Kasyaba said.
Ruhija Town Council LC5 Councilor Innocent Muhereza also weighed in, questioning UWA’s reported plans to close a feeder road that connects Ruhija Sub County through the forest. He called for mutual cooperation between the authority and surrounding communities, saying residents have consistently supported conservation efforts and expect reciprocal development benefits.
“We ask them to do the same for the community,” Muhereza said.
In response, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Chief Warden Richard Muhabwe clarified that UWA’s full road maintenance capacity is currently concentrated in savannah parks such as Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
He noted that Bwindi is expected to receive road equipment in due course but admitted that a grader previously delivered to the park is currently non-functional and undergoing repairs.
“As of now, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has no fully functional road units,” Muhabwe said.
Meanwhile, Kasyaba also announced developments in the health sector, revealing that Ruhija Health Centre III is set to be upgraded to Health Centre IV to improve service delivery. He expressed optimism that the facility would eventually be equipped with an ambulance to strengthen emergency response in the area.
