By Innocent Ruhangariyo
Rubanda District, Uganda – April 30, 2025-A community-driven effort to rehabilitate the Kyokyezo-Karukara-Mparo road in Nyamweru sub-county, Rubanda East, was nearly brought to a standstill today following a police intervention reportedly prompted by politically charged misinformation.
Residents from ten villages had gathered in Kyokyezo parish to improve the critical road infrastructure through a self-help initiative, only to be disrupted by a police patrol dispatched under claims that the activity was politically motivated.
According to AIP Kakuru James, the Rubanda District Community Liaison Officer, the operation was based on information alleging that the roadwork was part of a political mobilization effort, prompting police to halt the activity.
The police action was met with frustration from both local leaders and community members, who had anticipated logistical support—particularly a tractor—to aid their work, not its suspension. Residents expressed disappointment, citing the road’s importance in supporting daily travel and economic activity in the area.
“It’s disheartening to see our efforts undermined by political misunderstandings,” one resident lamented, emphasizing that the community had united to solve a pressing issue.
Local leaders are now calling for clarity and cooperation between the government and the community to ensure that essential infrastructure projects are not hindered by political divisions.
Some community members accused Rubanda East MP and State Minister for Finance for Economic Planning (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, of being behind the disruption, alleging neglect of the road due to limited electoral support from the area in the 2021 general elections.
The incident prompted intervention from Hon. Prossy Akampurira Mbabazi, Rubanda Woman MP and Parliamentary Commissioner, along with former District LC5 Chairperson Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema, who joined the residents’ efforts and pledged support for the rehabilitation.
Jogo criticized the government’s failure to utilize increased funding effectively, noting that during his leadership, the entire district’s roads were rehabilitated with just 370 million shillings—far less than the current allocation.
“Each district, including Rubanda, received an additional one billion shillings from the Ministry of Works and Transport for road-related emergencies,” Jogo said. “Kyokyezo should be a priority.”
Current Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson Steven Kasyaba Ampeire acknowledged the poor state of road infrastructure and its impact on market access and service delivery. He explained that although the road is in the district’s development plans, heavy rains have delayed operations.
“This road is crucial for transforming the local economy and improving household incomes,” Kasyaba said.
In her remarks, Hon. Akampurira confirmed that Rubanda District had received 1.5 billion shillings for road rehabilitation but blamed ongoing delays on political conflicts rather than resource shortages.
“The biggest problem is leaders prioritizing political battles over service delivery,” she said, urging unity in addressing community needs.
The residents and leaders now hope for renewed collaboration to resume and complete the road rehabilitation without further interference.
