Wakiso District Leaders Decry Deteriorating Roads as Contractors Delay Work

Wakiso District officials have expressed growing frustration over the poor state of roads previously managed by UNRA but now left without proper maintenance. The matter dominated discussions during a recent Roads Committee meeting at Entebbe Municipality, where leaders sought solutions to the worsening infrastructure crisis.  

District Chairman Dr. Matia Lwanga Bwanika revealed plans to formally petition the Ministry of Works and Transport, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention as many district roads have become nearly impassable, particularly during the current rainy season. "We need immediate engineering assessments and emergency funding before these roads completely fail," Bwanika stated.  

The meeting highlighted particular concerns about stalled projects under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area initiative. Nansana Mayor Regina Bakitte and Gombolola Vice Chairperson Philex Ssemujju criticized contractors who have failed to commence work months after being awarded tenders. "These delays are unacceptable when our communities suffer daily from terrible road conditions," Bakitte remarked.  

Contractor representative Engineer Geoffrey Ndiwalana acknowledged the challenges but assured work would begin soon, citing logistical and financial hurdles. However, local leaders remain skeptical, with Councilor Kakembo Mbwatekemwa demanding stricter oversight to ensure project commencement.  

The deteriorating roads have significantly impacted transportation, business operations, and public safety across Wakiso District. Leaders are now mobilizing to address the most critical sections while awaiting ministerial response, with some considering local interim repairs to mitigate the crisis.  

The situation underscores growing tensions between local governments and national agencies over infrastructure maintenance responsibilities, with Wakiso residents caught in the middle of the bureaucratic impasse. As the rainy season intensifies, the need for swift action becomes increasingly urgent to prevent complete breakdown of vital transport links in Uganda's most populous district.