GOV’T FAILS, RESIDENTS TAKE OVER! Mbarara Locals Raise Shs140m to Build Death Trap Kanyeite Bridge Over R.Rwizi
Kanyeite bridge that link Karugangama and Nyakaizi
By Amos Tayebwa | Mbarara
Fed up with years of waiting for government action, residents of Karugangama, Nyakaizi and surrounding areas in Mbarara City have resolved to build the long-neglected Kanyeite Bridge using their own money.
The community, through the Support to ‘Save Kanyeite Bridge’ Through Karugangama Residents Development Association, has launched a campaign to raise Shs140 million needed to construct a permanent bridge across River Rwizi after repeated appeals to Mbarara City Council and relevant government ministries yielded no results.
For years, residents have written letters seeking intervention to replace the dilapidated temporary crossing that currently serves only pedestrians and motorcycles, leaving vehicles unable to access the area.
The poor state of Kanyeite Bridge, alongside other neglected crossings such as Taso Village Bridge, has become a major obstacle to transport, trade and development in the area.
The fundraising drive was officially launched during a community meeting at Kanyeite Bridge attended by residents, local leaders and stakeholders. The event’s chief guest, Mbarara City Speaker Bonny Karutsya Tashobya, endorsed the initiative and pledged personal support.
Association chairman Wilson Kafureeka said residents had exhausted every avenue in seeking government intervention before deciding to act on their own.
“We have waited long enough. Government has shown no signs of constructing this bridge, so we have decided to mobilize resources ourselves,” Kafureeka said.
He revealed that the community has already secured official clearance from both the Ministry of Works and Mbarara City Council before embarking on the project.
“We wanted to ensure everything is done legally. The City Council assigned engineers who prepared the bridge designs and plans. Government approved our initiative, and now all that remains is raising the funds and beginning construction,” he said.
According to Kafureeka, residents have already collected more than Shs10 million toward the Shs140 million target.
He said the absence of a permanent bridge has held back development in Karugangama and neighbouring communities, with businesses struggling, property values remaining low and investment discouraged due to poor accessibility.
Kafureeka also disclosed that at least 14 people have drowned in River Rwizi while attempting to cross at Kanyeite over the years.
Mbarara City Speaker Bonny Karutsya Tashobya admitted that the city lacks the financial capacity to construct permanent bridges on River Rwizi and challenged Members of Parliament to lobby central government for funding.
He urged leaders across political divides to unite behind the community initiative.
“Since government has delayed, leaders should put politics aside and support these residents. Companies and institutions should also contribute because this bridge will benefit everyone,” Tashobya said.
Mbarara City South Division Mayor Jomo Mugabe echoed similar sentiments, saying the division lacks the resources to finance such infrastructure but promised his personal support.
“I cannot mislead the people by claiming the division can build this bridge. We have engaged Members of Parliament and government ministries without success. Now that residents have taken the initiative, we should support them individually,” Mugabe said.
He, however, cautioned the organisers to strictly follow all legal procedures throughout the construction process.
If successful, the project will stand as one of the few community-funded bridge construction initiatives in the region, highlighting growing frustration among residents over delayed public infrastructure while demonstrating the power of collective action.
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