Mpigi Lifts Sand Mining Ban After Operators Pledge Road Repairs

Mpigi District authorities have ended a temporary suspension on sand mining and transportation in Kituntu Sub-county. This decision comes after sand mining operators committed to contributing to the repair of roads heavily damaged by their trucks. The ban was initially put in place following numerous complaints from residents and local leaders about the detrimental effects of the industry.

District Chairperson Peter Kawuki highlighted that the constant damage to roads by overloaded sand trucks made road maintenance efforts futile. To address this, a new system will be implemented. Sand trucks will now be restricted to a single, designated route from Kinnyika through Bukasa and Muyanga to Kayabwe. This measure aims to concentrate the wear and tear on one pathway, sparing other feeder roads.

Furthermore, sand mining operators have agreed to install speed humps on the designated route to curb speeding and will be responsible for routine road maintenance. This includes filling potholes and damaged sections with murram, with the district engineer overseeing these efforts. In a significant concession, operators have also agreed in principle to contribute financially towards broader road rehabilitation projects.

Concerns regarding revenue collection were also addressed. Officials noted that the local government was not collecting all due fees, including operational permits and road tolls. Some operators have allegedly evaded these payments, leading to financial shortfalls. The district is also investigating why sand trucks originating from neighboring Butambala District use Mpigi’s roads without contributing appropriately.

Authorities in both Mpigi and Butambala districts are facing similar challenges with road damage and revenue collection. A call has been made for a collaborative regional approach to harmonize charges and repair strategies. However, Mpigi’s immediate focus is on ensuring compliance with the new route, speed controls, and proper revenue accounting. District Chairperson Kawuki warned that the sand mining ban could be reinstated permanently if operators fail to cooperate with the agreed-upon measures.