The community of Kigombya in Mukono Central Division finds itself at a breaking point as the much-anticipated Kampala-Jinja Highway upgrade remains incomplete six months after construction began. What was meant to be a development project has turned into a nightmare for local residents and business owners, with the contractor, Energo Uganda Company Limited, failing to make meaningful progress despite repeated assurances.
Daily life along this critical transport corridor has become increasingly difficult. Thick clouds of dust from the unfinished road surface now blanket the area from dawn till dusk, creating severe health hazards and economic disruptions. Local medical practitioners report a worrying increase in respiratory illnesses among patients, while shop owners describe how customers have stopped visiting due to the unbearable conditions. The situation has deteriorated to the point where visibility on some stretches of the road becomes dangerously poor during peak dust hours.
Frustration reached a boiling point recently when residents took matters into their own hands, blocking the road with burning tires in a desperate attempt to draw attention to their plight. This protest prompted swift intervention from Mukono Police, led by DPC Bernard Mugerwa, and emergency meetings with district officials including Betty Hope Nakasi. However, these discussions have yet to yield any tangible solutions or timeline for project completion.
Local leaders are sounding the alarm about the potential for further unrest if immediate action isn't taken. William Musoke, the area chairman, has made urgent appeals to both local and national authorities, specifically calling on Works Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala to intervene. Musoke warns that the community's patience is wearing dangerously thin, with the prolonged inconvenience threatening to spark more serious demonstrations.
Adding to the frustration is the apparent lack of accountability. Ronald Wamala, representing Mukono Central Division, has pledged to pursue the matter through official channels but acknowledges the slow response from relevant authorities. Meanwhile, residents question why they continue paying taxes for services and infrastructure that remain undelivered.
From the Ministry of Works, Communication Officer Allan Ssempebwa has asked for continued patience, suggesting that work will resume once the Kalagi project is completed. However, this explanation provides little comfort to a community already enduring months of hardship, with some questioning why resources were diverted before completing this critical artery.
The standoff highlights growing tensions between communities and infrastructure contractors across Uganda, where delayed projects frequently leave residents bearing the brunt of disrupted livelihoods and environmental hazards. As the situation in Kigombya continues to deteriorate, all eyes are on the government to fulfill its promises and deliver the much-needed road improvements that could revitalize this important economic corridor.
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