Heavy rains have submerged sections of the Busunju–Mityana Road in Ssekanyonyi, disrupting travel and threatening farmers’ and traders’ ability to transport agricultural produce to markets.
Transport was Tuesday disrupted along the Busunju–Mityana Road in Ssekanyonyi Town Council, Mityana District, after heavy rains caused rivers and streams to overflow, submerging sections of the road and making movement difficult for motorists, pedestrians and traders.
The flooding has raised concerns among residents and other road users who depend on the route to access markets and essential services, with some travellers struggling to move between Ssekanyonyi and Mityana.
Residents say the situation has worsened the challenges faced by communities that rely on the road for their daily activities, particularly farmers and traders transporting agricultural produce to markets.
Membe John, a resident of Ssekanyonyi, said the road had repeatedly featured in government budget plans but remained in poor condition despite the passage of several years.
He called on the responsible authorities to prioritise its rehabilitation, saying residents needed a lasting solution rather than temporary interventions.
“This road has been appearing in the national budget, but years have passed without the necessary work being done. We need a lasting solution to the problem instead of waiting for repairs whenever there is an important event,” Membe said.
The poor condition of the road, compounded by flooding, has also affected traders who transport agricultural produce to Mityana town for sale. The disruption has raised fears of financial losses for farmers whose produce may be delayed from reaching the market.
Joseph Luzige, the Mityana District LC5 chairperson, said the road falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Works and Transport, but the district was exploring possible interventions to help residents maintain access while awaiting action from the ministry.
“This road is under the Ministry of Works and Transport. However, as a district, we are doing everything possible within our means to ensure that residents can access it as we wait for the ministry to undertake the necessary works,” Luzige said.
He added that the district recognised the difficulties residents were experiencing and was committed to exploring ways to improve access along the affected route.
Residents are calling on the relevant authorities to address the flooding and rehabilitate the road to restore reliable transport and ease the movement of agricultural produce to markets.
They say a lasting solution would reduce disruptions during heavy rains and improve connectivity between Ssekanyonyi and Mityana.