Commuters and motorists travelling between Mbarara City and Bushenyi–Ishaka via Rwebikoona have been urged to prepare for significant traffic adjustments following the commencement of major roadworks next week.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced the start of construction of a concrete box culvert at Rwebikoona trading centre, aimed at improving drainage and strengthening the durability of the Mbarara–Ishaka Road corridor.
In a statement, the Ministry said works will begin on May 4, 2026, at kilometre 0+560 along the Mbarara–Ishaka Road, just off the Mbarara–Kabale highway.
“Beginning May 4th 2026, engineers will break ground on a new concrete box culvert located along the Mbarara-Ishaka Road (Km 0+560), just off the main Mbarara-Kabale Road,” the Ministry said.
Officials noted that the intervention is part of government efforts to improve drainage systems and protect key road infrastructure from recurring flooding and structural damage.
“These are critical works to improve road infrastructure drainage systems at this location. It will inevitably lead to temporary interruptions in the standard flow of traffic and will take approximately three months,” the Ministry added.
The construction period is expected to last about three months, during which thousands of daily road users are likely to experience delays due to the narrowing and partial disruption of the busy trading centre stretch.
To manage the expected congestion, the Ministry, working with the Traffic Police, has introduced a traffic diversion plan to ease movement through the affected area.
Under the plan, heavy and light vehicles will be diverted through Ntare Road and the Mbarara Northern Bypass as alternative routes.
Temporary road signage will also be installed at key junctions to guide motorists, while traffic police officers and wardens will be deployed at the construction zone to regulate vehicle flow and ensure safety for both motorists and pedestrians.
“We request motorists to observe all temporary road signage and strictly follow the guidance of on-site personnel,” the Ministry said.
Rwebikoona trading centre is a busy commercial hub along the Mbarara–Ishaka corridor, and authorities acknowledge that the works will temporarily disrupt trade and transport activity in the area.
However, the Ministry maintains that the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term inconvenience, noting that the upgraded drainage system will help prevent frequent road closures caused by flooding and washouts.
Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys early and allow extra travel time during the construction period to accommodate expected delays.