Dust and Despair: Mityana Residents Decry Neglected Roads

Key roads, including Market Street, Toban Road, Balamaga Road, Busimbi Road, and the road leading to Mityana Hospital, have remained in disrepair for three years, leaving homes coated in dust and businesses on the verge of collapse

Residents and business owners in Mityana Municipality are pleading for urgent road repairs, citing severe disruptions caused by years of neglect.

Key roads, including Market Street, Toban Road, Balamaga Road, Busimbi Road, and the road leading to Mityana Hospital, have remained in disrepair for three years, leaving homes coated in dust and businesses on the verge of collapse.

Shop owners say dust has damaged their merchandise, making it nearly impossible to sustain their livelihoods despite paying taxes.

"We pay our dues, but what do we get in return? We are choking on dust, and our businesses are collapsing," lamented Ronald Sserunkuma, a local trader.

In 2021, the government announced a road rehabilitation project, raising hopes among residents.

However, years later, the graded roads have been abandoned, worsening the situation.

The contract was awarded to Enago, a road construction company, but progress has stalled, leaving the roads in a dire state.

Mityana Municipality Mayor Faustin Mukambwe Lukonge expressed frustration over the government's inaction despite repeated complaints.

"I have written several complaints, but there has been no action. Our people deserve better infrastructure to support their businesses and livelihoods," he said.

Local leaders argue that while the government collects substantial revenue from the municipality, residents feel abandoned, making tax collection increasingly difficult.

"How can we expect people to pay taxes when they see no return on their contributions? The government must prioritise service delivery," said area councillor Fred Wotonava.

Further compounding the problem, some homes were damaged when road construction began, yet affected families have not received compensation.

Beyond municipal roads, the incomplete Mityana–Mubende highway has become a black spot for accidents, raising safety concerns.

"What was meant to be a development project has turned into a death trap," Mayor Mukambwe warned.

With businesses struggling, homes suffering damage, and accidents increasing, local leaders are urging the Ministry of Works and Transport to intervene immediately before the situation worsens further.

"Our roads are in a terrible state, businesses are shutting down, and lives are at risk. The Ministry must act now," Wotonava emphasised.