KANUNGU-Local leaders and residents in Kanungu District have issued a passionate appeal to the government over the worsening condition of key roads vital to tourism and trade, warning that the region’s economy and safety are at serious risk.
Several major routes across the district have become nearly impassable, despite occasional community maintenance efforts, prompting fears of more road accidents and a potential collapse in both tourism and economic activity.
Bruno Ahimbisibwe, Rubimbwa Parish Councillor in Kilima Sub-county, highlighted the Kanyantorogo–Butogota–Bwindi road as one of the worst-hit routes. He cited a recent fatal accident involving a tourist vehicle, saying the tragedy underscores the urgent need for action.
Ahimbisibwe also pointed to the Hamurwa–Kerere–Rutenga and Kanungu–Rugyeyo–Kisiizi roads as other critical routes in alarming condition.
He warned that unless immediate steps are taken, both local livelihoods and the region’s standing as a tourism hub will suffer.
Kanungu Town Council Mayor Godfrey Karabenda echoed these concerns, saying the dilapidated road infrastructure has “completely hindered economic development and service delivery.”
While he acknowledged ongoing improvements on the Kanungu–Kambuga–Muneengo road, he called for similar interventions on all major transport corridors within the district.
In response to the growing outcry, Eng. Alison Abenawe, Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Manager for the Kigezi Subregion, assured residents that the government is aware of the issue and already taking steps to address it.
She revealed that several key roads, including Hamurwa–Kerere–Rutenga (47km), Kanyantorogo–Butogota–Bwindi, Katojo–Kisiizi, and Mpungu roads, have already been budgeted for and are in the final stages of contract awards to construction firms.
“We understand the importance of these roads. Construction is expected to begin soon, and we are committed to completing the works before the end of this year,” Eng. Abenawe stated.
She further noted that the Kanungu–Rugyeyo–Kisiizi road is scheduled for works in the next financial quarter.
Though she did not provide exact timelines, Eng. Abenawe appealed for patience from road users, promising that relief is on the
Kanungu District, nestled in the Kigezi Subregion, is a cornerstone of Uganda’s tourism industry, home to the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site** famous for mountain gorilla trekking.
Stakeholders warn that the region’s competitive edge in tourism and trade could be lost if key infrastructure challenges are not addressed urgently especially as the rainy season approaches, further worsening road conditions and increasing the risk of fatal accidents.
As residents wait for government action to materialize, the call from Kanungu is clear:
Fix our roads — before lives and livelihoods are lost.
