Residents of Seeta Namuganga Sub-county in Mukono District have expressed frustration over delays in the construction of a crossing at Matumbwe River, saying the stalled project has left traders, schoolchildren and other road users exposed to dangerous flooding during the rainy season.
The project, valued at Shs1.2 billion and awarded to Jefflen Industrial Solutions Ltd, was intended to ease movement between Kasawo and Seeta Namuganga. However, residents say construction work has yet to begin, despite the contract being awarded in May 2026.
According to the project timeline, the contractor was given 10 months to complete the works. However, the continued absence of construction activity has raised concerns among residents who rely on the route to access essential services and conduct economic activities.
During a visit to the area, traders were seen struggling to transport their merchandise across the flooded river. Some said crossing the water on motorcycles requires considerable riding skill, while others described the journey as frightening and difficult.
Schoolchildren are among those bearing the brunt of the situation. Some pupils said they are forced to remove their shoes before walking through the dirty water to reach school, exposing themselves to potentially dangerous conditions.
James Mutyaba, a Senior Four candidate, said he had spent Shs10,000 over three days using an alternative route to sit his examinations after heavy rains flooded the nearest crossing.
Mutyaba said the additional expense had placed a financial burden on him at a time when he needed to concentrate on his examinations.
Residents have appealed to the relevant authorities to expedite the project, warning that continued delays could expose more people to danger, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Abudallah Mivule, a resident of Namuganga, faulted Mukono District authorities for what he described as inadequate action over the stalled project. He urged the district to take decisive measures, including terminating the contract if the contractor failed to resume work.
Mivule said the poor state of the crossing had made it difficult for residents to access essential services, including hospitals and shops in Kasawo Town Council.
He called on the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Baruhagara, to intervene and help address the challenges facing residents.
Mukono District Engineer Herbert Lutwaama said the contractor had been provided with the necessary requirements to undertake the project, making the lack of progress a concern.
Lutwaama said the district had made several attempts to engage the contractor over the stalled works, but the contractor had repeatedly failed to report to the site.
He said the district was considering writing to the Ministry of Works and Transport to recommend cancellation of the contract and pursuing legal action against the contractor.
The prolonged delay has heightened concerns among residents, who say the flooded river continues to disrupt access to education, healthcare and trade.
Residents are now urging the district authorities to take urgent action to ensure the project is implemented and provide a safer crossing, particularly during the rainy season.