Stalled Mukono Road Project Leaves Residents and Traders Counting Losses

Residents and traders connecting between Kasawo and Seeta-Namuganga in Mukono District are enduring severe hardships due to a stalled road infrastructure project. The most critical section affected is the 1.2-kilometer stretch crossing the flooded River Matumbwe, which becomes nearly impassable during the rainy season.

Local traders dealing in perishable produce report losing up to 30 percent of their merchandise due to delays and damage during transit. Small-scale vendors struggle with slim profit margins as alternative routes are both time-consuming and expensive. For instance, hawkers and boda boda riders face soaring fuel costs and increased vehicle maintenance from navigating detours.

The infrastructural breakdown goes beyond commerce, severely impacting access to education and healthcare. Expectant mothers and patients face dangerous obstacles and unexpected financial costs just to reach the nearest health facilities in Kasawo Town Council. Meanwhile, school children are forced to wade through muddy waters, risk being swept away, or arrive at school with ruined books and soiled uniforms.

The Shs1.2 billion project was awarded to Jefflen Industrial Solutions Ltd in May 2026 under the Ministry of Works and Transport, with a ten-month completion window. However, construction has yet to commence, prompting deep frustration among local leaders. Mukono District engineer Herbert Lutwama warned that the contract could be terminated if the contractor fails to show up on site, noting that the district would push for penalties.

Although the Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed that the contractor has not yet been paid, meaning no government funds have been directly lost, the community continues to bear the heavy social and economic costs of the delay. Read more details on the Daily Monitor.