Residents of Rukungiri District and neighbouring communities have renewed hopes of improved road infrastructure following confirmation that feasibility studies and designs are underway for the proposed Kabwohe–Bugongi–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri–Ruhinda–Kashenshero–Mitooma Road.
The development follows a meeting between Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungi and officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, led by the Permanent Secretary and a team of engineers.
During the meeting, Kebirungi pressed the ministry to explain progress on several presidential road pledges that have remained outstanding for years, including the Ntungamo–Rukungiri–Kihihi–Ishasha–Kanungu corridor.
She also raised concerns over other proposed routes expected to improve connectivity within the region, including Muhanga–Kisiizi–Rwamucucu–Kebisoni and Kabwohe–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri.
According to Kebirungi, the ministry’s Commissioner, Engineer Isaac Wani, confirmed that feasibility studies and designs are underway for the 99.2-kilometre road linking Kabwohe, Bugongi, Kitagata, Kabira, Rukungiri, Ruhinda, Kashenshero and Mitooma.
The proposed road is expected to strengthen transport links between communities, ease the movement of agricultural produce and improve access to markets and essential social services once implemented.
However, the ongoing studies represent a preparatory stage, and the ministry has not provided a confirmed construction commencement date.
Kebirungi said her engagement with the ministry was part of wider efforts to ensure that government commitments to the people of Rukungiri translate into tangible development projects.
She also highlighted persistent challenges affecting road construction across the country, including delayed projects, abandoned works and frequent contract variations that have contributed to rising construction costs.
The legislator, who said the Parliamentary Committee on National Economy was working to address some of the challenges, called for improved accountability and timely implementation of government infrastructure projects to ensure value for taxpayers’ money.
She observed that prolonged delays in road construction had affected communities that depend on reliable transport networks for business, agriculture and access to public services.
Beyond road infrastructure, Kebirungi said she would continue lobbying for improved access to electricity and clean water in Rukungiri District.
She noted that electricity construction schemes were already being implemented in the district, describing them as part of the development priorities she had advocated for during her campaigns.
The legislator thanked residents for their continued support and pledged to sustain engagements with the government to secure more infrastructure and essential services for the district.
For residents along the proposed Kashenshero–Rukungiri road corridor, the ongoing feasibility studies mark a potentially important step towards improved connectivity.
Attention will now turn to the completion of the technical studies, government funding decisions and the announcement of a clear implementation schedule.
