Residents of Karugangama Cell in Katete Ward, Mbarara City South Division, have raised 9.6 million shillings to reconstruct the damaged Kanyeite Footbridge across River Rwizi after years of waiting for government intervention. The bridge, which was washed away by floods in 2022, serves as a vital link between Karugangama and several key destinations, including Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara City, and Nyakaizi Ward in Mbarara City South Division.
It also provides the shortest route to Masha Sub-county in Isingiro District, making it an important crossing for milk vendors, traders, students, and other residents. Wilson Kafureeka, Chairperson of the Karugangama Residents Development Association, said repeated appeals to the relevant authorities to restore the bridge yielded no results, prompting the community to take matters into its own hands.
He said residents have so far raised 9.6 million shillings and are targeting 140 million shillings, the estimated cost of constructing the new bridge. According to Kafureeka, the loss of the bridge has disrupted transport, trade, and other economic activities in the area. In the absence of a proper crossing, residents have resorted to placing logs across the river, exposing themselves to significant safety risks. Kafureeka said the community consulted the offices of the Mbarara City Town Clerk and the City Mayor, who guided them through the process of obtaining engineering designs for the bridge, which they have since secured.
He said the association will soon launch a door-to-door fundraising campaign to mobilize the remaining funds needed for the project. Mbarara City Speaker Bonny Tashobya Karusya commended the community’s commitment, particularly its efforts to secure the engineering designs with support from the city council.
He said the proposed project involves the fabrication and installation of a 24-metre light-traffic steel bridge, reinforced with concrete and designed to last at least 25 years. The bridge will provide a safe and reliable crossing for pedestrians, motorcycles, and light vehicles while offering a durable long-term solution.
Tashobya appealed to the Ministry of Works and Transport to support the community initiative, noting that previous requests for government intervention had gone unanswered. According to the approved engineering design, construction of the bridge is estimated to cost Shs140 million.
When contacted, Justine Barekye, the Mbarara City Town Clerk, confirmed she was aware of the residents’ initiative. She said the city had already written to the Ministry of Works and Transport requesting support for the project. Over the past three years, more than seven people have reportedly lost their lives while attempting to cross the damaged Kanyeite and Taso Village bridges along River Rwizi, underscoring the urgent need for safer crossing infrastructure-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
