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Kikuube Residents Protest Sorry State of Roads

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They accuse their leaders of failing to take sufficient action to rehabilitate the roads, many of which have not seen any maintenance in over twenty years, rendering them nearly impassable.
10 Oct 2024 10:46
Some of the angry residents planting banana suckers in the middle of the dilapidated road in Bugambe sub county in Kikuube. Photo by Emmanuel Okello.

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Residents of Bugambe Sub County in Kikuube District have taken to protesting by planting banana suckers on several poorly maintained roads in the area. 

They accuse their leaders of failing to take sufficient action to rehabilitate the roads, many of which have not seen any maintenance in over twenty years, rendering them nearly impassable.

The protests were particularly focused on the Kisambo-Bujugu-Ruguse Road, where residents planted banana suckers to illustrate that it has become too damaged to support vehicular traffic, significantly affecting local businesses. 

Geofrey Ayesiga, the Bujugu West LC1 Chairperson, highlighted the severe impact on transportation, stating that they are unable to transport produce to market centers, including Hoima City, due to the poor condition of the roads.  

//Cue in: “Enkura nkurana ha…

Cue out:…ebitooke omu handa.”//

 

Gilbert Ochaya, a resident of Chungajembe village, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the road network's deterioration is the primary issue in the sub-county. He criticized district leaders for not allocating adequate funding for road maintenance. 

Adadi Basiima, another resident, noted that community members have been forced to undertake road repairs with rudimentary tools such as hoes, as their leaders have failed to address the issue. He expressed frustration, stating that despite repeated pleas, local leaders have not taken any meaningful steps to help maintain the roads.  

//Cue in: “Eziroho omu handa… 

Cue out:…bagura rukaga bitanu.”//

 

Judith Ayesiga, a resident of Bujugu LC1, raised concerns about the difficulties faced by expectant mothers needing access to health facilities due to the roads' poor condition. She mentioned that although the district recently received road equipment from the Ministry of Works, residents have not seen any improvement in road maintenance.  

//Cue in: “Ensonga ya kubanza… 

Cue out:…tiba kya soma.”//

 Annet Aseera, the Bugambe Sub County woman district councilor, urged residents to be patient, assuring them that district leaders are doing their best to advocate for road rehabilitation. However, she acknowledged that the district lacks the financial resources to address all road issues simultaneously.  

//Cue in: “Omuhanda gwa bujugu… 

Cue out:…nig u korwa.”//

 

Christopher Nkalu, the Bugambe Sub County LCV Councilor and Kikuube District Council Speaker, assured the community that efforts are underway to ensure all affected roads in the district are repaired as soon as possible.