Residents and leaders along the Mubende–Mityana highway are growing increasingly frustrated over stalled rehabilitation works that have lasted over four years, largely due to inadequate funding from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The 63-kilometre road, a crucial economic artery in central Uganda, has deteriorated significantly, impeding transport, trade, and access to services. The poor condition threatens livelihoods and road user safety, according to local officials.
Mityana District Woman Member of Parliament, Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa, said the ongoing delay has imposed severe hardship on traders, farmers, and schoolchildren relying on the route.
“The road has become a burden instead of a boost to development,” Bagala said. “For over four years, residents have waited patiently, but the lack of progress is now hurting our traders, farmers, and school-going children.”
The delay has been linked to budgetary constraints within the Ministry of Works, despite repeated calls for prioritization.
In a national communication dated August 5, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni addressed Uganda’s chronic budget inefficiencies, warning against “kumemerera”—a Runyankore term meaning “scattering resources thinly.”
“Trying to be everywhere at the same time and ending up being nowhere; trying to do everything at the same time and ending up doing nothing properly,” the President lamented.
Museveni urged policymakers to focus on phased, prioritized development rather than attempting to address all demands simultaneously, which he argued results in accomplishing nothing effectively.
Drawing from Uganda’s history, he cited the success of concentrating investments in electricity and roads from 2005 onward, which saw the road sector budget grow from Shs 374.14 billion in 2005 to Shs 4.467 trillion by 2019.
This focused approach led to milestones such as national electrification reaching nearly all districts and completion of previously donor-abandoned roads.
However, the President noted a resurgence of scattered planning amid rising administrative costs and new demands for salary increases, stressing that new districts, cities, and expansions should not come at the expense of core infrastructure like roads and electricity.
“People are targeting new districts, higher pay, creation of cities—before allocating money for roads, electricity, and wealth creation. This is bad planning,” Mr Museveni said.
Local leaders welcomed the president’s message but remain cautiously optimistic, calling on the Ministry of Works to translate policy into action on the Mubende–Mityana road.
“We are tired of empty assurances; what we need is equipment on the ground, not meetings in Kampala,” said Fred Wotonava, Mayor of Central Division.
The Mubende–Mityana highway links key agricultural zones and trade centers. Its deterioration has increased transport costs, vehicle damage, and hindered market access, especially for small-scale farmers and businesses.
Community members and officials are demanding transparency, regular updates on the project’s timeline and funding, and visible progress to restore public confidence.