As the rainy season approaches, traders relying on Nyakayojo Road are growing increasingly concerned about disruptions to their businesses.
The road, which connects Mbarara City to Rwampara and facilitates trade between Isingiro, Rwampara, and Mbarara City, is in poor condition, making transportation difficult.
While farmers welcome the rains to revive their drought-affected crops, traders and drivers fear heavy losses due to the road’s deteriorating state.
Many say it takes days to collect raw materials and produce from farmers when it rains.
“There are times when we go to the field to collect produce when our clients call us. However, if it rains, the vehicles fail to reach the farmers, which forces them to wait for over a week,” said Spencer Kiza, a trader dealing in coffee, beans, and maize.
Despite paying taxes, drivers question the lack of accountability for their contributions and are calling on the government to intervene.
“Hopefully, you can see how those motorcycles have failed to make it through the road. They have failed because of the poor condition of the road. Ask yourself, as taxpayers, where do we benefit from this?” said Frank Rugyereza, a driver.
Businesses that collect grass for mulch are also struggling, as increased transportation costs eat into their already slim profits.
“When it rains, the road becomes very slippery, especially at the top of the raised area,” said Muhereza Arthur, a businessman dealing in the grass trade.
“When the road is worked on, we see some profit, but because of its poor state, we are highly affected, especially during the rainy season when it worsens. It becomes so expensive to transport grass from here to other parts of Mbarara,” added Kamukama Vincent.
Local potters are also feeling the impact, reporting frequent breakage of their goods during transport.
“The road’s poor condition has led to significant losses, with many items arriving damaged and thus unsellable,” one of the potters said.
Local authorities acknowledge the challenges, emphasizing the road’s significance to the regional economy.
They are urging the government to act swiftly, given the route’s importance in transporting agricultural products from Isingiro and Rwampara to Mbarara City and beyond.
“If we are to get out of all these challenges, my prayer is for the government to consider this road for tarmacking, as they have always promised,” said Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi.