Residents of Tirobogo Village in Muduuma Sub-county, Mpigi District, and Kasoozo in Kakiri Town Council, Wakiso District, have launched a community effort to reopen and rehabilitate a long-abandoned interconnection road to improve transport and facilitate trade between the two areas.
The residents have started clearing and opening up the road that was abandoned about 20 years ago and crosses River Mayanja.
What is now largely occupied by the river was once a vital road used by residents of Tirobogo and Kasoozo to transport agricultural produce and other merchandise. Patients and learners also depended on the route to access essential services.
Road Became Impassable After Equipment Theft.
According to residents, the situation changed after equipment that supported a makeshift crossing was stolen. As River Mayanja gradually expanded into the area, the road became completely impassable, making life difficult for residents on both sides.
Several residents said the closure has forced them to take longer and more expensive routes to access markets, schools and health facilities.
*Community Joins Hands to Restore Road*
Working with their local leaders, residents of Tirobogo and Kasoozo have now resolved to restore the road, saying reopening the route would significantly ease movement and promote trade between the neighbouring communities.
They, however, say the work requires heavy machinery, which they cannot afford at the moment.
District Chairperson Pledges Support
Mpigi District Chairperson Hon. Peter Kawuki recently visited the area and said the district would support the initiative by providing culverts, murram and helping to raise the road.
Hon. Kawuki, however, noted that the project requires substantial resources and specialised equipment, at a time when the district is operating under budget constraints.
Residents Appeal for More Road Rehabilitation
Meanwhile, residents have also appealed to the district to intervene in the rehabilitation of the Tirobogo–Ggalabi and Ggalabi–Busanyi roads in Muduuma Sub-county, which they say have become increasingly impassable due to years of neglect.
*Muduuma Sub-county Chairperson Mr. John Bosco Ssebulindye* said that despite limited funds, the sub-county has undertaken some road maintenance works. He added that Mpigi District has already committed to supporting the rehabilitation of the affected roads.
Poor road infrastructure remains one of the major challenges affecting several sub-counties in Mpigi District. However, local leaders say road maintenance and improvement will remain among their priorities during the current five-year term.
_Reporting by Mpigi Community Watch._
