MUKO, RUBANDA — Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson Hon. Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba has directed residents of Rushunga Village in Nyarurambi Parish, Muko Sub-county, to form a committee of community members who support the widening of the Hakaterere-Kanaaba Kishaki Road.
Kasyaba issued the directive during a community meeting held after residents raised concerns over a long-running dispute surrounding the proposed widening of the road.
The meeting followed a physical inspection of the road corridor led by Kasyaba, District Engineer Habimana John and residents.
The residents accused Mujurizi Leodinus of obstructing the road widening, with local leaders saying the dispute over the road reserve has persisted for years.
Rushunga LC1 Chairperson Karuma Deus said the land dispute involving Mujurizi dates back to the time when Rubanda was still part of Kabale District.
According to Karuma, the matter previously attracted the attention of the late Rubanda LC5 Chairperson Patrick Besigye Keiwa and was eventually taken to the High Court, where Mujurizi reportedly lost the case.
“Even up to now, Mujurizi is still blocking the road widening. Instead, he wants to channel it through other people’s gardens,” Karuma said.
Muko Sub-county LC3 Chairperson Niwagaba Ivan and Rubanda Town Council LC5 Councillor Fokushaba George Buhika urged Mujurizi to cooperate with the community, arguing that the road would benefit residents across the area.
Mujurizi, however, maintained that the road should be diverted through other people’s gardens, arguing that widening it along the existing route would put his house and gardens at risk of destruction.
District Engineer Habimana John provided technical guidance during the meeting and assured Mujurizi that his house would not be affected by the planned works.
Habimana said the road requires only a few additional metres to facilitate the widening. He also accused Mujurizi of constructing without an approved plan, which he said resulted in encroachment on the road reserve.
Kasyaba told residents that the demand for the road comes from the wider community and that one individual should not prevent its development.
He urged residents to cooperate with the district authorities during the road widening and opening works to ensure that the project is completed without unnecessary delays.
Kasyaba also clarified that the district does not provide compensation for land affected by the road opening, urging residents to reach a common understanding and support the project.
Residents welcomed the intervention, saying the improved road would enhance transportation, boost trade and improve access to essential services in Rubanda West.
The formation of the community committee is expected to provide a platform for residents to coordinate their position and engage with district authorities as efforts to widen and improve the road continue.
