Govt Moves on Ishaka-Mbarara Repairs After Mounting Public Pressure Over ‘Killer Potholes’

The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced that long-awaited maintenance of the Ishaka–Mbarara highway will commence before the end of the month, following sustained public outcry over the deteriorated state of the road and a petition threatening to block it.

The highway serves as a key artery for southwestern Uganda, connecting districts such as Bushenyi, Sheema, Kasese, Mbarara, Ntungamo, and Rukungiri.

It also plays a vital regional role, linking Uganda to Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan.

For years, however, residents and travellers have voiced alarm over the worsening condition of the road, which is riddled with deep potholes and blamed for a rising number of accidents.

This week, a local civic group, Make Bushenyi Great Again (MBGA), submitted a petition to the Ministry of Works and Transport demanding urgent repairs and threatening to rally citizens to block the road if action was not taken within two weeks.

Speaking on Friday, Allan Ssempebwa, the ministry’s communications officer, confirmed that the road is now prioritised for maintenance.

“The Ministry is aware, and the road is on the schedule for maintenance works later this month. I know very well that our maintenance team is urgently following up on this,” he said.

He added that local leaders would be engaged to keep the community informed and address ongoing concerns.

The petition, dated May 15 and signed by residents under MBGA, accuses the government of neglecting a vital route with significant economic importance.

It warns of civil action should the ministry fail to initiate repairs or at least seal the most dangerous sections within 14 days.

“As you are aware, Ishaka–Mbarara Highway is full of potholes and impassable. Many people have perished on this road because of its current terrible state. The situation has reached intolerable levels and poses more danger to travelers,” the petition reads.

Pison Mugizi, one of the lead petitioners, said residents have repeatedly tried to engage government officials, but their calls have gone unanswered for years. He said they had no choice but to apply pressure.

“As residents of Bushenyi, we refuse to continue losing lives on this road, with accidents occurring nearly every day. We are giving the government a maximum of 14 days. If they do not start repairs or address the potholes in the most hazardous areas, we will have no choice but to block the road,” Mugizi told this reporter.

He questioned how such a strategic highway had been left to deteriorate despite its importance to both domestic and regional commerce.

While the Ministry’s latest commitment has eased tensions for now, residents say they will keep watch and are prepared to escalate their demands if no action is taken within the set timeline.