A completed bridge at Kagera in Kyaminula Village, Tororo Municipality, intended to provide safe access to Rubongi Army Secondary School, remains unused due to a land dispute, leaving residents and schoolchildren frustrated.
The situation at Kagera Bridge had long been a safety concern, especially during the rainy season. Learners struggled to cross a dangerous makeshift bridge, with some slipping into the water and others forced to drop their scholastic materials.
High absenteeism was common as the treacherous crossing disrupted school operations.
To address the problem, municipal authorities allocated close to shs1 billion for the construction of a new bridge aimed at safeguarding lives, particularly those of school-going children.
However, the bridge has yet to be put to use after Rubongi Barracks reportedly blocked municipal authorities from proceeding with the connecting road construction. The barracks cited security concerns, saying they were not informed during the planning and construction of the project.
Peter Ekikina, president of the Municipal Development Forum, expressed frustration over the impasse.
"We have tried to engage with the barracks, but they say they were not informed during the construction and therefore they are going to fence off their land."
Some leaders have blamed the situation on weak municipal leadership, accusing authorities of failing to engage the army early enough to avoid such a stalemate.
Benard Ochieng, Tororo Mayor-elect, criticized the approach.
"How could the municipality do such a project without involving the army, the landowners? This was very bad."
Despite the standstill, there is hope that the bridge will eventually be used. Leaders say plans are underway to engage the barracks leadership and resolve the dispute.
"Upon resuming office, that will be one of the first things we shall do because we can't allow resources invested in the bridge to go to waste." Ochieng added
Residents and school authorities are urging a swift intervention to put the bridge to use and restore safe access for learners, emphasizing the urgency given the safety risks children face on the old crossing.