Kanungu Residents Lament Bwindi Tourism Road's Poor Condition

Residents of Buhoma Town Council in Kanungu District are voicing their deep concerns over the severely degraded condition of the Kanyantorogo–Buhoma–Bwindi tourism road. This crucial 44-kilometer route, vital for accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is riddled with potholes, making it nearly impassable, particularly during the rainy season.

The deteriorating road is not only hindering tourism but also crippling other economic activities in the region. Protests were staged on June 5 by concerned citizens highlighting the road’s role in frequent accidents. A tragic incident involved the death of an American tourist, Harrison Shuldman, in January 2025, after his vehicle lost control on the perilous stretch. Another fatal accident saw a truck driver, Philip Mukunya, lose his life when his ore-laden truck overturned on the same section.

Local business owners are feeling the pinch.,“Every time we get a chance to meet our leaders both at local and national levels, we inform them about the sorry state of this road, but they have completely kept a deaf ear to this problem,” stated Agaba Twinomujuni, a boda boda rider. Jacqueline Musimanta, a vendor, explained how the road’s condition forces food trucks to carry reduced loads, leading to financial losses as multiple trucks are often needed for deliveries that could be handled by one.

The Mayor of Buhoma Town Council, Moses Bashaija, noted that the issue extends to tourists themselves, who question the neglect of such a significant route despite the revenue generated from gorilla trekking permits. He added that beyond tourism, the road’s state disrupts trade, especially for heavy vehicles transporting goods.

Local leaders, including Kanungu District Chairperson Francis Byamukama Kapesha and area MPs James Ruugi Kaberuka and Patience Kinshaba Nkunda, acknowledge the problem. MP Kaberuka stated he has raised the issue in Parliament over ten times without success but promised to continue advocating for its rehabilitation and will personally engage the Minister of Works and Transport.

This article is based on information from the Daily Monitor.