Authorities in Rubanda District have accused the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) of neglecting the district by failing to deploy road maintenance equipment to improve tourism and community roads.
The accusations emerged during the swearing-in ceremony of LC3 councillors for Ruhija Town Council in Rubanda District. Speaking during the ceremony, the Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba said despite UWA possessing road maintenance machinery capable of rehabilitating roads in conservation areas, none of the equipment has been deployed in Rubanda District. He claimed that most of the machinery had instead been taken to the Rwenzori region, leaving roads in Rubanda in poor condition.
He challenged the UWA Executive Director to send road equipment to the district, pledging that the local government would provide fuel to support road works.
Kasyaba noted that improved roads are critical for tourism and community development, adding that stakeholders should work together to ensure road networks in tourism areas are maintained.
CUE IN KASYABA…..ON UWA….RR.ENG//
Meanwhile, Ruhija Town Council LC5 Councillor, Innocent Muhereza, questioned UWA’s reported intentions to close the feeder road linking Ruhija Sub-county through the forest. He urged the wildlife body to consider the interests of the local community, arguing that residents have continuously supported conservation efforts and deserve reciprocal support from the authority.
CUE IN MUHEREZA……ON THE MATTER……RR//
In response, the Chief Warden of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Richard Muhabwe, clarified that only savannah national parks such as Kidepo, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth currently have fully operational road units.
Muhabwe explained that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is expected to receive road equipment in the future. However, he revealed that a grader previously delivered to Bwindi is currently grounded due to mechanical problems and remains under repair.
“As of now, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has no fully functional road units,” Muhabwe said.
CUE IN MUHABWE…..ON RESPONSE…..RR//
On healthcare services, Kasyaba announced plans to upgrade Ruhija Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV, a move aimed at improving access to medical services in the area. He expressed optimism that the upgraded facility would eventually be equipped with an ambulance to strengthen emergency healthcare response for residents.
