Heavy Rains Paralyze Transport and Trade in Kaliro District

Residents and local officials in Kaliro District are grappling with widespread transport disruptions following recent heavy rains. The already fragile road infrastructure has deteriorated significantly, rendering several key routes impassable and hindering the movement of people and goods.

The Nawaikoke–Buwangala Road has been particularly hard-hit, with sections collapsing entirely due to the downpours. This has left many motorists and pedestrians stranded and struggling to navigate the affected areas.

Other vital routes, including the Nawaikoke–Kitukiro Road and the Kaliro–Buyende Road, are also facing severe challenges, with flooding and damaged bridges making them nearly impassable.

District officials highlighted a significant funding shortfall for road maintenance. With over 580 kilometers of community access roads, the district receives approximately Shs1 billion annually, an amount deemed insufficient for major rehabilitation works. Funds are primarily directed towards emergency repairs and basic marram supply.

Local transport operators, like boda boda rider Mr. Mukubira Farouk, describe the current conditions as perilous, with accidents involving passengers and lost goods becoming increasingly common, especially on routes like Nawaikoke–Buwangala.

Some residents have voiced concerns about the lack of substantial road improvements over the past two decades, with only temporary fixes being applied, which are washed away with each rainy season.

The district’s Vice Chairperson, Mr. Richard Bamukobyeire, acknowledged the funding gap, stating that current allocations are inadequate for constructing standard roads and that the priority is maintaining basic connectivity through emergency repairs.

While welcoming ongoing interventions by the Ministry of Works and Transport on certain roads, Mr. Bamukobyeire also pointed to the detrimental impact of heavy sugarcane trucks, common in the district, on road and culvert integrity.

He urged for increased government funding to enhance road infrastructure and ensure consistent accessibility, particularly during the demanding rainy seasons.

Source: monitor.co.ug