Ntungamo District is rebuilding Kihorobo Bridge at Shs95.67 million and upgrading feeder roads after increased government funding, with residents seeking reliable access to markets and accountability for the works.
Ntungamo District Local Government has embarked on a series of road rehabilitation projects, including the reconstruction of Kihorobo Bridge in Rwoho Town Council, which collapsed in early 2024 and has disrupted transport for more than two years.
The district plans to spend Shs95.67 million rebuilding the crossing, which serves residents travelling between Kayanga, Nyakyera and Rwoho Town Council.
The bridge’s collapse left a deepening valley where the crossing once stood, with runoff from surrounding hills washing away the soft soil and widening the gap. Cracked earth walls, exposed sections and flowing water have made the crossing increasingly dangerous, particularly during the rainy season.
The district says the new crossing will feature steel culverts measuring seven metres in length and 2,100 millimetres in diameter, replacing the previous 600-millimetre culverts that could no longer handle the volume of water flowing from the surrounding hills.
The works are expected to take two months, although construction is beginning during the rainy season, which could complicate efforts to stabilise the site and divert water.
Emily Atuhaire Nuwagaba, the secretary for works, production and technical services at Ntungamo District Local Government, said the timing of the project was linked to the release of government funds in quarterly instalments.
“We receive money in quarters. We received money for the first quarter and we were able to do some roads. We have now received money in the second quarter; that is why we have come when the rains have started, but we know we shall succeed,” Nuwagaba said.
She said the district would first channel the water away from the damaged crossing to allow the site to dry before construction proceeds.
“Channelling the water such that this area can dry up, such that we start on the works,” she added.
For residents, restoring the bridge is important for more than easing movement between communities. The route supports farmers transporting agricultural produce and animal products to markets, while also facilitating access to neighbouring areas.
The district’s road programme also includes improvements along the 13.5-kilometre Katinda–Kagarama road, which has been allocated Shs97 million.
Other roads undergoing work include Nyamunuka–Rwitanzi, Nyakyera–Kibingo–Kitwe and Nyarutuntu–Ngoma–Nyakyera, with projects at different stages of implementation.
According to the district’s works department, government has increased road funding for Ntungamo by an additional Shs1 billion, bringing the expected allocation for the 2026/27 financial year to Shs2 billion.
The increased funding is expected to support rehabilitation of access roads, particularly those connecting communities to markets and other essential services.
Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigoba, the Ntungamo district chairperson, said the district was prioritising roads that connect communities to markets.
“We are trying to make sure that all access roads leading to the market should be worked on,” Rwakigoba said.
The works department said it had received Shs500 million in the first quarter and subsequently received funding for the second quarter, allowing additional projects to begin.
However, the expanded programme comes with questions about the quality of construction, timely completion and accountability for public funds, particularly as some projects are being implemented during the rainy season.
Moses Mugabe Kahima, the Ruhaama East Member of Parliament and chairperson of the Ntungamo District roads committee, emphasised the role of community oversight in monitoring the works.
He said establishing local committees and making bills of quantities (BOQs) available would help residents follow up on projects and improve accountability.
The reconstruction of Kihorobo Bridge will therefore be an important test of the district’s ability to restore damaged infrastructure while ensuring that public investment delivers durable crossings and more reliable access to markets.