WE’RE TIRED OF WAITING! Residents Storm Streets Over Road Promised by President Museveni 20 Years Ago

KANUNGU — Residents of Buhoma Town Council in Kanungu District erupted in rare public fury on Friday, 6th June, pouring onto the streets to demand action on the long‑awaited Hamurwa–Kerere–Kanungu (47 km) and Kanyantorogo–Butogota–Ruhija (32 km) road projects.

The demonstrations, which brought sections of the district to a standstill, underscored deep frustration over what locals now call a “20‑year promise” that has never moved beyond political speeches and government paperwork.

The two roads, central to Kanungu’s economic and tourism lifeline, were first mentioned by President Yoweri Museveni as far back as 2001. Over the years, the pledge resurfaced repeatedly — most recently during the 2025 campaign trail, when the President assured residents that the projects would be undertaken through China Henan International Cooperation (CHICO).

The company, already credited for completing the Rukungiri–Kanungu road, signaled readiness to begin work. But on the ground, residents say nothing has changed.

The consequences of the delay are felt daily. Traders complain that the dilapidated routes inflate transport costs and damage vehicles, while tourism operators warn that poor access to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks is costing the region millions in lost revenue.

“Tourists want to come, but the journey discourages them,” said a hotel owner in Butogota. “A promise cannot replace a road.”

Local leaders echoed the public’s anger.

Kanungu LCV Chairman Francis Byamukama noted that the President’s initial commitment dates back two decades, and the prolonged wait has drained community morale.

He pointed out that the symbolic renaming of the route to Garuga Road last year raised hopes that have since been dashed.

“Renaming without construction is meaningless,” Byamukama said.

“People have died on that road. Every year, officials from Kampala assure us that work will start soon, but the promises end where they begin — in speeches.”

Government agencies, including the Ministry of Finance and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), attribute the delays to tight debt ceilings and limited fiscal space.

With national debt now exceeding 53 percent of GDP, the Treasury has been reluctant to approve new infrastructure loans. CHICO has reportedly offered flexible financing arrangements, but these too await government clearance.

There are fears that continued postponement could hurt Uganda’s tourism recovery and weaken cross‑border trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During the protests, residents blocked parts of the Kanungu–Kerere route, chanting slogans such as “Roads are our right” and “Museveni, keep your word.”

Police maintained a visible presence but did not disperse the crowds, a sign of the political sensitivity surrounding the issue.For Kanungu, the road is more than a transport corridor — it is a symbol of dignity, opportunity, and long‑delayed justice.

As one protester put it, “We are not demanding luxury. We are demanding what was promised to us.”

The message from the streets is unmistakable: patience has run out. Unless the government takes decisive action, a promise that began 20 years ago may continue to fuel unrest for years to come.

You can see the juicy salaries for employees of Uganda’s externally funded projects in 2026 HERE.

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