Ibanda Municipality's Decade of Potholes: Roads Remain a Stumbling Block

A decade has passed since Ibanda Town was granted municipality status, a milestone that was expected to usher in significant improvements to its urban infrastructure, particularly its road network. However, many residents feel that this promise remains unfulfilled, as numerous roads are still plagued by potholes, inadequate drainage, and general deterioration.

The elevation to municipality status in 2016 brought hopes of a modern transport system capable of supporting a growing population and bustling commercial activities. While some progress has been made, with a few roads being graded and widened, a substantial number remain in a state that makes them difficult to traverse.

This poor road infrastructure has tangible consequences for the community. Residents, especially in areas like Bufunda Division, face increased transport costs and frequent vehicle repairs due to the rough conditions. Transport operators report higher maintenance expenses and longer travel times, costs that are inevitably passed on to passengers.

Local businesses are also feeling the pinch. Poorly maintained roads impede access for customers and increase the cost of transporting goods. Business owners emphasize that improved road networks are crucial for economic growth and attracting investment.

Key thoroughfares such as Bitature Road, Kagongo Road, and Mpira Street have been identified by residents as requiring urgent attention. These roads, they argue, should not be in such disrepair ten years into the municipality’s development journey.

Municipal authorities acknowledge the challenges. Ibanda Municipal Town Clerk Authman Ssebaduka explained that limited funding and a lack of adequate road construction equipment have hampered progress. The municipality often relies on machinery borrowed from the district, leading to delays. Despite these hurdles, Deputy Mayor Fred Banywana assured that the municipality is committed to infrastructure development and anticipates benefiting from future phases of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program. He appealed for patience from residents as more projects are planned and resources become available.

As Ibanda marks its tenth year as a municipality, the state of its roads continues to serve as a key indicator of whether the development aspirations of its citizens are being met, with calls for greater investment to achieve the envisioned urban transformation.

Source: Nile Post