Africa-Press – Uganda. What was once hailed as a symbol of progress in eastern Uganda has become a source of public frustration and alarm.
The Bumbobi–Bubulo–Lwakhakha Road, commissioned by President Museveni in December 2020, is already crumbling—less than five years after completion.
Stretching 44.5 kilometres from Mbale to the Kenyan border, the road was constructed to bitumen standard to enhance regional trade and improve access across Mbale, Manafwa, and Lwakhakha.
But today, key sections—especially around Nabumali Corner, Kufu Trading Centre, and Busumbu Junction—are riddled with potholes, uneven surfaces, and deteriorating edges, raising serious safety concerns.
The damage is particularly pronounced due to the weight and frequency of heavy trucks returning to Kenya through the Lwakhakha border.
“It has not even taken five years, and there are already deep potholes everywhere,” said Sezi Wanzusi, a resident of Kufu Trading Centre.
“Vehicles from Mbale are forced to swerve into the opposite lane to avoid them, putting lives at risk.”
Another road user added, “The mixture was poorly done. It’s eroding fast.”
Several boda boda riders report frequent accidents and near misses—especially for unfamiliar passengers navigating the steep, damaged portions of the road.
Constructed at an estimated Shs153.1 billion—including resettlement and related costs—the project was funded by the African Development Bank and the Ugandan government.
It was the first major road project commissioned under the tenure of former UNRA Executive Director, Ms Allen Kagina.
M/S China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd handled construction, under supervision from a consortium comprising Studio Galli Ingegneria, SARI Consulting Ltd, and Anchor Engineering Services.
But what was meant to be a transformative infrastructure project has drawn growing criticism.
“It’s frustrating that a road designed to last at least 15 years is already falling apart,” lamented a trader in Bubulo.
“Where was the supervision? Who is responsible for this mess?”
Public anger has been further fuelled by the silence of area MPs and local leaders, who residents say have gone quiet since the road began failing.
“When the road was launched, politicians lined up to take credit. Now that it’s collapsing, they’re nowhere to be seen,” said Bwayo, a boda boda rider in Kufu.
The road was expected to ease transport costs, improve cross-border trade, and enhance access to markets and services in the Elgon region.
Instead, many now describe it as an accident-prone stretch that threatens rather than facilitates development.
With pressure mounting, residents and road safety advocates are calling on the Ministry of Works and relevant oversight bodies to inspect the road, publish findings, and hold the contractors and supervisors accountable.
Once a flagship development, the Bumbobi–Bubulo–Lwakhakha Road now stands as a cautionary tale—of costly public works that fail too soon, burden taxpayers, and endanger lives.
Source: Nilepost News
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