Isingiro to Rakai Kyotera Road Continues to Await Tarmac.

For years, the Isingiro to Rakai Kyotera road via Nakivale has been earmarked for upgrades to tarmac, yet each passing financial year ends without the much-needed rehabilitation materializing. This 108-kilometer stretch serves as a crucial lifeline, connecting the banana-producing region of Isingiro to Mbarara and onwards to Kampala. It’s not just a commercial artery; it’s a vital route for over 50 humanitarian organizations responsible for aiding refugees in the Nakivale settlement.

Humanitarian workers, who preferred anonymity, lamented the challenges posed by the current road conditions. During dry spells, the road’s dust and bumps slow their progress, while in the rainy season, it becomes muddy and treacherous. These conditions not only delay their journeys but also cause physical strain and vehicle damage. They argue that a tarmac road would cut travel times significantly, making their operations more efficient.

John Twinamatsiko, a seasoned Fuso driver familiar with the route, emphasized the difficulties faced daily. “I have to start early to avoid navigating in darkness before reaching the tarmac from Isingiro to Mbarara,” he shared. The rugged terrain demands constant vigilance, as the narrow road leaves little margin for error.

Edward Mujuni, another Fuso driver, recounted a harrowing incident on the same route where a collision resulted in significant financial losses. “Dodging a speeding vehicle, I lost control and incurred losses exceeding Shs7 million,” Mujuni recalled, highlighting the financial risks and dangers posed by the road’s condition.

During our journey, we encountered two Fuso trucks involved in a collision, a stark reminder of the road’s hazards. Yassin Mugerwa, one of the drivers involved, expressed frustration, noting it was not his first accident on this perilous route.

Taxi drivers like Darius Muhwezi echoed similar sentiments, citing frequent maintenance costs due to the road’s poor condition. “I replace my shock absorbers every three months and service my vehicle every two days because of the bad road,” Muhwezi lamented, illustrating the financial toll on drivers using the route.

Alone Turahi, the Isingiro District Chairman, emphasized proactive measures taken by the district despite the road’s neglect. “We’ve consistently requested quarterly maintenance from the roads authority due to the heavy traffic, including over 100 lorries transporting matooke and humanitarian vehicles,” Turahi stated. Despite these efforts, tangible improvements have yet to materialize.

Turahi acknowledged engagements between local MPs and Ministry of Works engineers regarding road upgrades, with design plans drawn up as early as 2021. However, the road has yet to appear in the budget for the upcoming Financial Year 2024/2025, raising concerns among stakeholders.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja’s 2021 announcement of plans to upgrade the Isingiro-Ntantamuki-Rakai route to a class II bitumen standard offered hope. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these plans, delaying any immediate action. “As soon as COVID-19 is under control, the road will return to the improvement agenda,” Nabbanja assured, emphasizing the government’s commitment once conditions allow.

Three years have passed without any visible progress on this crucial road project. Despite assurances and plans, the Isingiro to Rakai Kyotera road continues to await the transformative touch of asphalt, leaving drivers, humanitarian workers, and local communities to navigate its challenges daily, hopeful for a safer and smoother journey ahead.