Heavy rains cut off transport, trade in Kaliro as roads deteriorate

Transport and business activity in Kaliro District have been severely disrupted after heavy rains rendered several key roads impassable, residents and district officials told Monitor on Thursday.

Residents said the already poor road network has further deteriorated during the rainy season, cutting off movement of people and goods across the district.

Among the worst-hit routes is the Nawaikoke–Buwangala Road, where sections have collapsed, leaving motorists and pedestrians stranded.

Other affected roads include the Nawaikoke–Kitukiro Road and the Kaliro–Buyende Road, which have become nearly impassable due to flooding and damaged bridges.

Kaliro officials say the district has more than 580 kilometres of community access roads but receives only about Shs1 billion annually for maintenance, an amount they say is insufficient to support major rehabilitation works.

The funds, according to officials, are mainly used for emergency repairs and supply of marram, which they say cannot sustain long-term infrastructure needs.

Mr Mukubira Farouk, a boda boda rider in Nawaikoke, said transport has become risky, especially on the Nawaikoke–Buwangala route.

“When we reach broken bridges, some passengers fall into the water while others lose their goods,” Mr Mukubira said.

Mr Wagumate Julius, a resident, said some roads have gone more than 20 years without major rehabilitation.

“The district only carries out spot maintenance, and whenever the rains begin, the roads are washed away again,” Mr Julius noted.

Some residents have accused government of neglecting the district despite worsening transport challenges.

The district Vice Chairperson, Mr Richard Bamukobyeire, acknowledged the funding gap, saying current allocations are too low to support major upgrades.

“What we receive for maintenance is not enough to construct standard roads,” Mr Bamukobyeire observed.

He said the district is currently prioritising emergency repairs to maintain basic connectivity.

Mr Richard Bamukobyeire welcomed ongoing interventions by the Ministry of Works and Transport on the Kaliro–Kibaale Road, Kaliro–Ivukula Road, and the Buwangala swamp section.

He also blamed the rapid deterioration of roads on heavy trucks transporting sugarcane, a major cash crop in the district.

“Kaliro is a major sugarcane-growing area in eastern Uganda, and trucks carrying more than 40 tonnes frequently damage roads and culverts,” Mr Bamukobyeire said.

He called for increased government funding to improve road infrastructure and ensure year-round accessibility, especially during the rainy season.