NTUNGAMO — Residents and local leaders in Ntungamo District are expressing growing frustration over the deteriorating condition of roads managed by the central government, blaming delayed maintenance and what they describe as a slower response following the integration of the former Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) into the Ministry of Works and Transport.
They say although repairs are eventually undertaken after repeated complaints, the interventions are often short-lived, with potholes and damaged sections reappearing within weeks, prompting concerns about the quality and durability of maintenance works.
Several major roads across the district, including both tarmac and murram roads, have deteriorated significantly, affecting transport, trade, agricultural activities and access to essential services.
Local leaders argue that the transition from UNRA to the Ministry of Works and Transport has coincided with slower maintenance schedules and reduced responsiveness to road users' concerns.
Ntungamo District Speaker Bernard Mukasa Ahabwe Mupenda believes the institutional changes may have contributed to the delays.
"Some of us say that because UNRA was merged into the Ministry of Works, maybe that's the reason why some roads are being delayed to be maintained," he said.
Among the worst affected roads has been the Ntungamo–Rukungiri highway, where motorists have endured numerous potholes for an extended period. Although maintenance works are currently underway, residents say repaired sections often deteriorate again within a short time, raising concerns about the quality of the works.
The situation worsens during the rainy season, when blocked or inadequate drainage systems cause water to accumulate on the road surface, concealing deep potholes and increasing the risk of accidents and vehicle damage.
Murram roads have also suffered extensive deterioration.
The Rubaare–Kakukuru–Rwenanura road has developed long eroded sections, expanding gullies and damaged drainage systems, making transport increasingly difficult, particularly after heavy rainfall.
Residents also cited the Rwentobo–Rwahi–Rwashamaire road as being in poor condition, while the Kahunga–Nyakyera road is covered with loose soil and dust that they say continues to worsen because of limited maintenance.
Some opinion leaders are now advocating for the decentralisation of road maintenance funds, arguing that district authorities would be able to respond more quickly to damaged roads instead of waiting for interventions from the central government.
They say district local governments have demonstrated their ability to maintain roads under their jurisdiction despite operating under limited budgets.
"The district roads are worked on despite the budget constraints unlike the roads under the Ministry of Works and Transport. This is a miscalculation, and I believe these resources should be reallocated from the central government to the districts so they can work on their own roads," said Perez Rumanzi.
Residents also criticised some political leaders for remaining silent as the district's road network continues to deteriorate.
"Our roads are deteriorating now and then, but some of our leaders don't talk," said resident Naboth Mpirirwe.
Although rehabilitation is ongoing on roads such as Rubaare–Kisizi, residents argue that the works appear cosmetic and fail to address underlying structural challenges.
They maintain that without comprehensive reconstruction and improved drainage systems, the roads will continue to deteriorate shortly after every maintenance exercise, leading to repeated public expenditure with little long-term benefit.
Kajara County Member of Parliament James Hunter acknowledged the poor state of the roads and pledged stronger parliamentary oversight to ensure road maintenance funds are used as approved during the current financial year.
"The budget is already done. We are going to study it and look at those roads which have been earmarked to be worked on in this financial year. We shall be so much interested to see that the released funds are utilised according to the budget," he said.
