Leaders in Mukono Municipality have commended the rapid progress of the Shs2.8 billion Nakiyanja River bridge project, expressing optimism that the long-awaited infrastructure will permanently solve years of transport disruptions and flooding between Mukono and Kira municipalities.
The bridge, which connects Nsasa Cell in Mukono Municipality and Nabusugwe Cell in Kira Municipality, is nearing completion just three weeks after construction works began, raising hopes among residents and local leaders who have endured years of difficult travel, especially during the rainy season.
During an inspection of the site, Mukono Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) James Mutyabule praised the contractor for the pace and quality of the work.
“I am very happy with the contractor for giving this project the attention it deserves. As you can see, it is most likely going to be completed on time. When you look at the work being done, there is clear value for money,” Mutyabule said.
He noted that the project is intended to eliminate a long-standing transport bottleneck that has affected residents, businesses and motorists whenever the Nakiyanja River overflowed during heavy rains.
Mukono Municipality Secretary for Social and Community Development Affairs, Margaret Nattabi, said the river has for years posed a major challenge to surrounding communities, frequently bursting its banks and flooding nearby homes, gardens and farmland.
She explained that apart from disrupting transport, the floods have caused significant economic losses by destroying crops and making roads impassable.
Nattabi said the new bridge will provide a permanent solution to the recurring flooding problem and improve movement between Mukono and Kira municipalities throughout the year.
Residents welcomed the project, recalling how flooding has repeatedly cut off access between the two communities. In one recent incident, rising water levels isolated parts of Kira Municipality for nearly a week after the river overflowed.
Jonathan Ziribasanga, the Chairperson of Jinja Nabusugwe Zone, described the Nakiyanja crossing as one of the area’s most dangerous locations, particularly at night.
He said the flooded section has been notorious for attacks on residents and travellers, while poor visibility and slippery conditions have resulted in numerous accidents.
According to Ziribasanga, boda boda riders have frequently fallen into the river during heavy downpours, while trucks transporting agricultural produce have often been forced to park overnight until floodwaters receded.
He said completion of the bridge will significantly improve safety and reduce transport costs for farmers transporting produce to Kampala and other urban markets.
“We are grateful to the government for responding to our long-standing concerns. This bridge will improve security, make transport easier and enable farmers to deliver their produce to markets without unnecessary delays,” Ziribasanga said.
Government allocated approximately Shs2.8 billion for the construction of the bridge and its associated infrastructure.
Besides the bridge, the project includes tarmacking the adjoining road section and installing security lighting around the crossing to improve visibility, enhance public safety and reduce accidents caused by slippery road conditions during rainy weather.
Once completed, the Nakiyanja Bridge is expected to strengthen connectivity between Mukono and Kira municipalities, ease the movement of people and goods, and support economic activity by providing reliable access throughout the year.
