Ecweru Praises Progress on Katonga Roads, Assures Public of Imminent Reopening

The State Minister for Works and Transport, Musa Ecweru, has commended contractors for what he described as commendable progress on road works along routes crossing River Katonga, assuring road users that normal travel will soon resume.

Residents and motorists who depend on the Gomba–Masaka road and the Kampala–Masaka highway have expressed renewed hope following visible improvements on sections that had remained impassable for more than three years.

The roads were severely damaged when River Katonga burst its banks, washing away large sections of the Gomba–Masaka road and disrupting transport along one of the region’s key corridors.

While a temporary bridge was later installed on the Kampala–Masaka highway, the Gomba–Masaka route was completely cut off, forcing travellers to rely on boats to cross the river.

Road users, particularly those travelling between Gomba and Masaka, say the disruption caused immense hardship and, in some cases, loss of life.

“We grew up not using water transport unless one lives on islands. This road humbled us. At times, when the river overflowed, people from Masaka couldn’t cross to Gomba and vice versa,” residents said.

They explained that although they initially expected quick repairs, prolonged delays forced them to improvise dangerous crossing methods, including laying tree trunks across the damaged sections, which worsened erosion and widened the gaps.

“Since detouring through Mpigi or Sembabule was impossible, some individuals introduced local boats. Though they helped, the fear was constant because some people fell into the water and died. Later, an engine boat was introduced, which reduced the risk,” residents added.

Travellers said crossing from Kifampa to Masaka by boat cost more than Shs700,000 collectively, while individuals were charged between Shs30,000 and 35,000 per crossing.

In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Works and Transport contracted Rodo Uganda Limited to rehabilitate the Gomba–Masaka road, while a Chinese firm was engaged to work on the Kampala–Masaka highway section at Katonga.

During a tour of the affected areas, Ecweru said he was impressed by the pace and quality of work and expressed confidence that the roads would soon be reopened.

“I am impressed by the work done by these contractors. The water channels have been properly reinforced, the road levels have been raised, and the width expanded. Most importantly, the work has been done within a short time. I have been assured that completion is near,” Ecweru said.

He added that boat services currently operating at the Katonga crossing on the Gomba–Masaka road would soon be discontinued.

“People have been using boats here, and I thank those who provided them. However, within a few weeks or at most a month, vehicles will be able to cross freely, and the boat services will no longer be necessary,” he said.

Ecweru also praised Rodo Uganda Limited, saying the government intends to place greater trust in capable local companies.

“Rodo is a Ugandan company, yet the quality of work and expertise demonstrated matches international standards. When our local companies can deliver quality work, government will prioritise them instead of foreign firms that repatriate profits,” he said.

River Katonga cuts across several districts, including Gomba, Sembabule, and Masaka, and recurrent flooding has disrupted transport and claimed lives in various areas.

The Gomba–Masaka road project is valued at Shs63 billion, while works on the Kampala–Masaka Katonga section are estimated at Shs191 billion.

Although the contract period is 30 months, significant progress has been registered within 19 months so far.