Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala has appealed for calm among residents of Tororo and Butaleja districts following renewed disruptions along the long-neglected Nagongera–Busolwe road.
Heavy rains this week washed away a makeshift diversion at Rubongi Bridge, once again cutting off critical access to Tororo town and other key institutions.
In a phone interview, Gen. Katumba acknowledged the community’s frustration and assured them that the government was moving to address the problem.
“We have secured partial funding to begin construction on the stretch between Rubongi Bridge and Tororo town,” he said.
“We’ve spoken to China Railway No. 3, the contractor, and asked them to return to the site to complete the bridge and tarmac part of the road. Securing funds has been a challenge, but progress is being made.”
The project, awarded in 2022, has seen little advancement.
The contractor, China Railway III, initially built a temporary crossing to support ongoing works, but reportedly abandoned the site within two months, citing delayed government payments. Since then, the makeshift diversion has become the only way across Rubongi, failing repeatedly under the strain of seasonal rains.
This latest washout has left residents stranded yet again, with the diversion now impassable to all but the most daring motorcyclists.
Pedestrians navigate mud and debris while motorists take long, costly detours to reach either Busolwe or Tororo.
The road is not only a commercial artery but also the primary route to Tororo District Barracks, and both Busolwe and Tororo hospitals.
The lack of reliable access has stirred anger among locals, who feel forgotten by government.
“We the people of Tororo feel like we’re not even part of this country,” said Alex Oburu, a regular road user.
“Why should we suffer like this as if we have no leaders? This should be the time we show them we are tired.”
Residents accuse the government of making empty pledges and demand tangible action on an infrastructure project President Museveni has repeatedly listed among his commitments to the region.
Jacob Oboth Oboth, Defence Minister and MP for West Budama Central, echoed Katumba’s call for patience, saying the government remained committed to completing the road.
However, residents are increasingly sceptical, pointing to years of unfulfilled promises and worsening access.
The situation has become more than just an inconvenience. With schools, hospitals, and military installations relying on the route, residents argue that failure to fix the road amounts to neglect of critical public services.
As of this week, transport remains severely restricted. Lorries and taxis have suspended operations on the affected stretch, while local traders struggle to move goods between towns.
Emergency services have also expressed concern over the delay in restoring access.
Calls are growing for the President to personally intervene to expedite funds and enforce contractor accountability.
With climate change intensifying the region’s rainfall, locals warn that half measures will no longer suffice.
They want permanent infrastructure—not temporary fixes—to ensure that Rubongi does not become a seasonal crisis point.
“We’ve been patient for too long,” one resident remarked.
“What we need now is action, not apologies.”