Residents of Ngoma and Rweikiniro sub-counties in Ntungamo District are set to benefit from a new bridge project aimed at ending decades of dangerous crossings over the River Rufuha.
District authorities have officially launched the construction of the Shs200 million Akabale Bridge, a long-awaited infrastructure project expected to improve transportation, boost trade, enhance access to essential services and reduce accidents that have claimed lives over the years.
For decades, communities on both sides of the river have relied on a fragile wooden bridge built and repeatedly repaired by residents themselves.
Community members say the crossing has been reconstructed more than four times but has remained one of the most hazardous transport links in the district.
The existing structure, made of ageing timber planks fastened together with metal chains, has deteriorated significantly over time.
Several sections have broken away, while others hang loosely above the fast-flowing river, exposing pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists to constant danger. The situation worsens during the rainy season when water levels rise and currents become stronger.
Speaking during the launch of the project, Ntungamo District LCV Chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi said district leaders had sought funding for the bridge for more than three decades but were constrained by limited resources.
"Ntungamo District has tried since 1993 to work on this bridge but failed because of budget constraints. We had to write to the Ministry of Finance under the Ad Hoc Transitional Development Grant, which enabled us to receive Shs200 million for the project," Muchunguzi said.
Residents say the poor state of the bridge has disrupted economic activities, particularly the transportation of milk, one of the area's main sources of income.
Enock Muhumuza, the General Secretary of Kashenyi Parish, said many farmers have struggled to access markets because motorcycles and bicycles could not safely cross the river.
"Because of this river, the milk business has been disrupted. Motorcycles and bicycles have not been able to cross, yet a person cannot carry a 50-litre milk can on their head to the dairy every day," Muhumuza said.
Local leaders also revealed that several people have lost their lives while attempting to cross the river during floods or while fetching water for domestic use and livestock.
Silili Akatuhura, the LCII Chairperson of Kayenjye, said residents had repeatedly mobilised themselves to repair the bridge using locally available materials.
"We repaired this bridge four times using timber. Whenever it became old and weak, we would construct another one, but the challenge has persisted," Akatuhura said.
According to district engineers, the new Akabale Bridge will be constructed using 210-millimetre steel culverts and is expected to be completed within two months.
Moses Twine, the Assistant Engineer for Ntungamo District, said preliminary design works had already been completed.
"The initial design for this bridge was estimated to cost about Shs868 million, but the government allocated Shs200 million, which enabled us to commence the project. We have already completed the preliminary design works and construction is now underway," Twine said.
The original design estimate suggests the district may have had to scale down some aspects of the project to match the available funding, although officials remain confident the bridge will meet the area's immediate transport needs.
Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner Miriam Kagaiya welcomed the project, saying it would transform transportation and economic activity in the area.
"This bridge will help residents transport milk and other goods more easily. Vehicles will be able to cross without being affected by flooding, which will improve business and livelihoods," Kagaiya said.
District leaders also announced plans to upgrade the road linking Kashenyi Trading Centre to Kayenjye through the new bridge. The road improvement project is expected to complement the bridge by easing movement, improving market access and supporting local economic development.
The project forms part of the government's efforts to improve rural infrastructure, which is considered critical to reducing transport costs, connecting farming communities to markets and expanding access to health and education services across Uganda.
