The Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) has announced a temporary closure of a section of the Mbarara–Ishaka Road today, Friday, November 7, 2025, to allow for emergency maintenance works.
According to the Ministry’s public notice, the affected stretch runs from Km 3+500 (Ruharo) to Km 3+900 (near Buffalo Restaurant), with the main works focused around Woodland Gardens (Km 3+700). The repairs are scheduled to take place from 9:00 a.m. to midnight.
Heavy trucks and buses have been advised to use alternative routes through the Mbarara by-pass (via Coca-Cola and Ruti roundabouts), while light vehicles are encouraged to take the Ntare–Kyamugurani Road to reconnect to the Mbarara–Ishaka highway.
However, the timing of the closure has sparked mixed reactions online — especially from National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters — who claim the move could be aimed at frustrating the party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, a.k.a. Bobi Wine, who is expected to hold a rally in Mbarara today.
“This is not a coincidence. They always find excuses to block or inconvenience our programs,” one NUP supporter posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another wrote, “You can’t tell me the road suddenly needed ‘emergency repairs’ on the very day Bobi Wine is expected in town.”
Officials from the Ministry, however, have dismissed such claims, stressing that the works are purely technical and necessary for safety.
A Ministry source explained, “That section has been in bad condition for months, with several potholes and drainage issues. It needed urgent attention to prevent accidents.”
Despite the closure, Bobi Wine’s rally plans appear unaffected, as he and his team have been operating mainly around Isingiro and Mbarara city, areas accessible through several alternative routes.
Local residents have also acknowledged that the affected section has long been a traffic bottleneck. “The road near Woodland Gardens has been terrible. Sometimes vehicles get stuck there, especially during rain,” said Ronald Mugume, a boda boda rider in Ruharo.
As the debate continues, the Ministry has urged motorists to remain patient and cooperate with traffic officials during the maintenance works.
“We regret any inconvenience and appreciate the public’s cooperation as we restore this critical road section,” said Bageya Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary, in a statement
