Mukono puts aside Shs230m for residents maintaining rural access roads

Mukono District Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Muhumuza (centre) and District Engineer Herbert Lutwama (right) address participants during an engagement at the district headquarters on June 4, 2026. PHOTO/DANIEL M. SSENFUMA

Mukono District Local Government has allocated Shs230 million to implement a community-based road maintenance programme that will pay residents to maintain rural access roads while improving transport infrastructure.

The Road Gangs Programme was launched on June 4 by the district's Works and Engineering Department, bringing together road gang members, district leaders and technical officers ahead of implementation.

Under the programme, workers assigned to maintain one kilometre of road will earn Shs75,000, while those responsible for up to four kilometres can earn as much as Shs300,000, depending on workload.

District officials said the funds have been specifically earmarked for road maintenance wages.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy CAO Stephen Muhumuza said the initiative provides employment opportunities within local communities while supporting service delivery.

“Maintaining road infrastructure is a key component of service delivery. Roads facilitate movement, trade and access to essential services,” Muhumuza said.

He cautioned beneficiaries against subcontracting the work, saying the programme was designed to provide direct benefits to local residents.

District Engineer Herbert Lutwama said road gangs will be responsible for clearing drainage channels, directing runoff away from roads, slashing grass, maintaining road reserves and keeping roads passable using basic tools.

Mukono District Finance Officer Yasin Mwanga addressed concerns about delayed payments under previous phases of the programme, attributing some challenges to inactive or incorrect bank account details.

“For the current phase, payments will continue through bank accounts, but the district is considering mobile money for future phases. Beneficiaries are advised to verify and update their bank details,” Mwanga said.

Winnie Nakaddu, the district secretary for Works, Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Production, said the programme would be implemented under strict accountability measures.

“We expect discipline, honesty, commitment and hard work. Funds allocated for road maintenance must be used for their intended purpose,” she said.

District officials said the Road Gangs Programme forms part of wider efforts to improve rural accessibility, enhance road safety and create income opportunities through labour-based public works.

The initiative is expected to support routine maintenance of community roads that connect residents to markets, schools, health facilities and other essential services.

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