MASAKA — The Ministry of Works and Transport has begun tarmacking feeder roads in Masaka District in a move aimed at improving transport infrastructure and stimulating socio-economic development.
The works commenced with the five-kilometre Bukunda–Kamuzinda road in Kyanamukaaka Sub-county, a project residents say will ease transport, facilitate trade and improve access to essential services.
The initiative is being implemented with support from the office of former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi.
While welcoming the project, residents urged the government to address other longstanding challenges, including inadequate access to clean water, electricity, healthcare and education.
Ponsiano Ssenyonyi, chairperson of Sserinya–Bbaala Village, said Masaka District has lagged behind in development following the creation of several new administrative units over the years.
“Masaka is the mother of districts such as Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Sembabule, Lyantonde, Lwengo, Kyotera, Rakai and Masaka City, but we have been left behind after the district was divided several times. Many resources were taken away, yet development needs remain high,” he said.
Agriculture and fishing remain the main economic activities in the district, with coffee serving as the principal cash crop. Residents said poor road conditions have long hindered the transportation of agricultural produce and other goods to markets.
“Our roads have been in a poor state for a long time. During the rainy seasons, transport becomes difficult and business suffers,” said Joseph Mayanja, a resident of Kamuzinda.
Engineer Mathew Ochoria from the Ministry of Works and Transport said the Bukunda–Kamuzinda road marks the first phase of a broader programme to improve the district's road network.
“We have started with the Bukunda–Kamuzinda road, which is five kilometres long, and plans are underway to extend the tarmacking works to the Kanoni–Bulegeya–Kamuzinda road and the Kamuzinda–Kyanamukaaka Roundabout road after completing the necessary assessments,” Ochoria said.
Residents also appealed for the installation of street lighting along the upgraded roads, saying it would improve security and enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians.
“Road lighting will help improve security and make movement safer, especially at night,” said Roger Ddamulira, a resident of Kamuzinda.
Kyanamukaaka Town Council Mayor Zaina Nakidde urged residents to support the infrastructure project by avoiding encroachment on road reserves.
“Development requires cooperation. Residents should allow these projects to proceed without obstruction because government will not compensate people who have illegally occupied road reserves,” she said.
Joseph Kawonawo, representing the office of Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, assured residents that the government remains committed to improving infrastructure and addressing other development challenges in the district.
“We ask residents to remain patient as government continues to improve infrastructure and address other development concerns in the district,” he said.
Residents expressed optimism that the road upgrades will attract investment, improve access to markets and social services, and contribute to the district’s long-term economic growth.
