news 14 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Namutumba Residents Protest Blocked Century-Old Road to Hospital Amid Arrests
Tensions escalate in Namutumba District's Budongo Village over a blocked community road vital for hospital access, leading to arrests of local leaders accused of inciting violence. Residents claim intimidation by hospital management, while police defend the detentions following a confrontation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/tensions-rise-in-namutumba-over-blocked-community-road--5423048
Tensions are mounting in Budongo Village, Namutumba District, due to a dispute over a road over 100 years old that links to Namutumba Community Hospital. Locals accuse hospital officials of digging a trench and stationing private guards to block it for expansion purposes.
The conflict boiled over with the arrest of three individuals: village vice chairperson Abdu Nabongho, teacher Betty Nangobi, and parish chief Jessy. Residents view the detentions as intimidation tactics, noting no initial charges were specified. One local, Mushga Sudasi, criticized orders from Kampala as rights abuses.
The road runs from Namutumba Royal Light Primary School to a swamp water source, serving broad community needs. In March, Deputy RDC Waiswa Paul ordered its use maintained pending a physical plan, yet residents say it’s still obstructed.
Paul Sajja questioned the defiance of the RDC’s directive. Frustrated locals threaten to block hospital staff routes if unresolved.
SSP Byansi Mohammad, the District Police Commander, countered that arrests stemmed from residents digging a trench and blocking hospital access, charging them with inciting violence, assault, and malicious damage. He noted interference with patients.
Hospital administrator Rita claimed ignorance of the issue. David Kalyowa, ex-district land committee member, flagged human rights violations and loss of public access.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)