Hand Hoe Power:

In Mukono, a district in central Uganda known for its lush green and farming potential lies a persistent challenge that affects the daily lives of its residents: the impassable roads. 

These roads, crucial for connecting rural areas to main highways and markets, have been in a state of disrepair for years, causing frustration and hardship for the people of Mukono. 

Agnes Namugambe, a farmer, lives in the Kyaggwe sub-county. She has spent her entire life tending to her land, growing crops like coffee, bananas, and vegetables. However, the poor state of the feeder roads in her area has made it incredibly difficult for her to transport her produce to market. 

“The roads are impassable during the rainy season,” Agnes explained during an interview. “My crops rot in the fields because I can’t get them to the market on time. It’s like the government has forgotten about us,” she says.

Namugambe’s sentiments are echoed by many farmers in the region. They argue that the neglect of feeder roads not only affects their livelihoods but also hinders the district’s economic growth. 

With better roads, they could transport their goods more efficiently, access larger markets, and improve their incomes. 

The condition of feeder roads in Mukono doesn’t just affect farmers; it impacts the daily lives of all residents. Students struggle to get to school, patients face challenges reaching health centers, and businesses find it hard to operate efficiently. 

John Ssemogerere, a local businessman, owns a small shop in Mukono town. He relies on goods transported from Kampala, but the poor roads often delay deliveries. 

“Sometimes, our supplies are delayed for days because the trucks can’t navigate the roads,” Semwogerere says. “It’s not just about the cost; it’s about the inconvenience and the impact on our business,”  he adds.

Local government leaders in Mukono acknowledge the challenges posed by the poor state of feeder roads. They point to budget constraints and competing priorities as the main reasons for the neglect. 

Councilor Patrick Kaggwa, responsible for infrastructure in Mukono, explained, “We know the roads are in bad shape, but our budget is limited. We have to prioritize other essential services like healthcare and education.” 

However, Kaggwa also emphasized that the local government is working to improve the situation. 

“We are lobbying for more funds from the central government and exploring community-driven initiatives to maintain our roads,” he adds. 

Rural roads form the largest part of Uganda’s road network (approximately 50.2%) and is therefore a critical part of economic growth in an agriculturally dependent country like Uganda. 

With Uganda’s rural population standing at approximately 76% of the total population and agriculture still employing approximately 72% of Uganda’s population, this underscores the need to fix loopholes in road maintenance strategies in Uganda with emphasis on rural roads. 

Uganda faces several challenges in maintaining its feeder road network, including inadequate funding, lack of proper equipment, poorly managed roads, and the impact of weather. 

These issues lead to impassable roads, especially during the rainy season, hindering access to markets and essential services for communities. 

In financial year 2019/20 ( UGX 448.833bn ) constituted 0.36% of Uganda’s GDP (UGX 126,258bn), well below the minimum recommended of 0.85%. Only 2.9% of the annual maintenance budget was allocated to Community Access Roads (CARs), (MoWT, 2020).

According to Ronald Kagguma, an engineer with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) the challenge lies not just in funding but also in maintenance and community involvement. 

“Feeder roads require regular maintenance, which is often neglected,” Kagguma noted. “We need a more sustainable approach, possibly through community-led road maintenance programs.” 

Engineer Kagguma also highlighted the importance of proper road design and construction. 

“Some of these roads were not built to withstand heavy traffic or the region’s weather conditions. We need to invest in better infrastructure.” 

In the absence of adequate government support, some communities in Mukono have started self-help initiatives to repair and maintain their local roads. 

Mary Namuwonge, a resident of Kyengera village, is part of a community group that has organized road maintenance efforts. 

“We’ve worked together to clear debris, fill potholes, and even lay gravel on some sections,” she said proudly. “It’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing.” 

These community-led initiatives demonstrate the resilience and determination of Mukono’s residents. However, they also underscore the need for more substantial and sustainable solutions from the government. 

The neglect of feeder roads in Mukono is a complex issue that affects the livelihoods of thousands of people. While there are valid challenges in addressing this problem, the impact on the community is undeniable. 

Farmers struggle to sell their produce, businesses face operational challenges, and residents endure daily hardships. 

As the local government and communities continue to seek solutions, it’s clear that a multi-faceted approach is needed. This includes increased funding, better road maintenance practices, and community involvement. 

Only through concerted efforts can Mukono’s feeder roads be transformed from neglected pathways into vital arteries that support the district’s growth and development. 

The story of Mukono’s feeder roads is not unique to Uganda; it’s a challenge faced by many rural areas across the developing world. 

However, by understanding the perspectives of the people, local leaders, and engineers, we can begin to forge solutions that will benefit not just Mukono but other regions facing similar challenges.