KASESE – The Kikorongo–Mpondwe road, a key artery for trade between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is now in a state of severe disrepair, frustrating residents, traders, and commuters who rely on the route daily.
Plagued by deep potholes and deteriorating tarmac, the road has become a dangerous and costly path for users.
It connects Kasese to Mpondwe, one of Uganda’s busiest border towns, and is crucial for cross-border movement of goods and people.
But locals say the road has been left to decay.
“The once-smooth Kikorongo–Mpondwe road has deteriorated into a frustrating stretch of neglect, mirroring the plight of commuters who rely on it to access the bustling border town,” said Girigory Makotsa, a resident of Kasese.
Makotsa added that mechanics along the route now make a living from the constant flow of vehicles damaged by the hazardous road.
“Deep potholes and disintegrating sections have made travel slow, risky, and painfully expensive. Mechanics here say they attend to dozens of damaged vehicles every single day.”
Other regular users of the road echoed similar frustrations.
“This road is completely worn out. Every time I use it, I fear for my life and my vehicle. We have cried out for years but nothing seems to change,” said Julius Masereka.
“Every trip to Mpondwe takes double the time. We spend more in garages than on the road. People are dying on this road because of accidents,” added Amos Kule, a taxi driver who plies the route.
Despite the dire situation, there is some optimism.
In early 2025, President Museveni officially launched the long-awaited reconstruction of the Kikorongo–Mpondwe road.
The contract was awarded to Dott Services, a local construction company, which has since begun temporary maintenance work while the country awaits full-scale reconstruction.
According to officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, a comprehensive road master plan is being finalized to guide the project implementation.
Until then, only patchwork repairs are being done.
State Minister for ICT and Kasese Municipality MP, Godfrey Kabyanga, urged the public to remain patient.
“The Kikorongo–Mpondwe road is a government priority. We understand the suffering of the people and are working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that reconstruction begins as soon as possible,” Kabyanga said.
As the region waits for a permanent fix, the Kikorongo–Mpondwe road remains both a lifeline for trade and a stark symbol of neglect, exposing lives and livelihoods to daily danger.