Construction of the long-delayed Ntenjeru–Bule road is set to resume after Mukono district authorities and leaders of the Lugave clan reached an agreement over the removal of a culturally significant sacred site.
At the centre of the dispute was the Namuzikiza sacred tree, located on ancestral land in Mpatta Sub-county, which had stalled works for nearly five months.
The site is part of a cluster of traditional shrines, including Nakagga, Mpakabya, and Namagulu, belonging to the Lugave clan.
The contractor, China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group, had temporarily skipped the affected section following resistance from cultural custodians who initially opposed interference with the sacred sites.
Clan leaders had earlier demanded compensation of Shs600 million to facilitate rituals for relocating the shrines, citing the spiritual significance attached to the area.
However, following a series of negotiations convened by Mukono District Local Government, both parties agreed on a culturally sensitive approach that allowed the project to proceed without undermining tradition.
Speaking after the meeting, Ssalongo Mulo Musoke Massiko, a representative of the Lugave clan from Subi Kyaggwe, said the road passes through ancestral land that hosts important spiritual heritage.
“We support development, but we also have a responsibility to respect and protect our cultural sites,” Massiko said. “We requested time to inform our ancestors and seek their permission before any disturbance could take place.”
Clan leaders were granted two to three days to conduct rituals aimed at communicating with ancestral spirits and facilitating their symbolic transfer to another location.
The ceremonies, which took place overnight, paved the way for the removal of the Namuzikiza tree.
Mpatta Sub-county councillor Emanuel Mbonye confirmed that the rituals were successfully conducted, allowing construction to proceed without further objections.
Mukono District Communications Officer Derrick Kaddu said the process was completed at no cost, describing it as a result of mutual understanding between the district, contractors, and cultural leaders.
“This agreement reflects cooperation and respect on both sides. It allows development to continue while acknowledging the importance of cultural heritage,” Kaddu said.
Chief Administrative Officer Henry Ddamba commended the Lugave clan for supporting the project despite earlier disagreements.
He noted that the road project does not provide for compensation, which had contributed to the prolonged impasse.
“We appreciate the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by the clan leaders and the community. Infrastructure projects like this benefit the wider public, and such collaboration is essential,” Ddamba said.
Residents of Mpatta Sub-county welcomed the breakthrough, noting that the delay had raised fears the project might be abandoned.
Many expressed optimism that the road will improve transport, boost trade, and enhance access to social services.
The Ntenjeru–Bule road is considered a key infrastructure project expected to open up rural communities in Mukono district, linking farmers and traders to larger markets.
