Residents of Nyakabande Sub-county in Kisoro District are threatening to stage a peaceful demonstration on the upcoming NRM Liberation Day to protest the government’s failure to fulfill a key manifesto promise: the tarmacking of the 5km Nyakabande-Mutolere road.
The 2021-2026 NRM Manifesto, on page 137, claims to have completed the tarmacking of this road as part of the 1,162km of new roads constructed between 2016 and 2021. However, the road remains in a deplorable state, significantly impacting service delivery in the area.
The road’s poor condition hinders access to Mutolere Hospital and Mutolere Deanery, restricts the transportation of agricultural produce to Nyakabande Trading Center, and disrupts the flow of traffic, as the Nyakabande aerodrome and the longer, more costly Muganza road present significant travel challenges.
“This road has claimed many lives of our friends and relatives,” lamented one resident. “To make matters worse, the NRM manifesto lied to us by claiming the road was tarmacked, when there isn’t even proper gravel. This road needs to be tarmacked immediately, or we will proceed with our peaceful demonstration.”
Kisoro District LCV Chairman Abel Bizimana acknowledged the right to peaceful protest when citizens are denied essential services. He urged residents to engage with district authorities before Sunday to seek a resolution to the issue.
However, Kisoro District Assistant Resident District Commissioner Valence Hagumimana cautioned against the planned demonstration, urging residents to pursue diplomatic solutions instead.
“Demonstrations are not the solution, and it is embarrassing to have the NRM celebrating 39 years in Mubende while residents of Kisoro are on strike,” warned Hagumimana. “I advise you to reconsider your actions.”
