By Aggrey Twesigye
The Ministry of Works and Transport has officially commissioned the construction of the Ncwera River Bridge in Kyamwebya Village, Ruhinda County, Mitooma District.
The original bridge, which was constructed in 1985, was swept away by flash floods in 2021, disrupting transport between the three sub-counties of Bitereko, Mitooma, and Rutookye Town Council in Ruhinda County and Ruhinda North.
The new bridge project, valued at 8 billion shillings, has been contracted to Armpass Technical Services under the Ministry’s infrastructure development initiative.
According to the Ministry, the works will include the construction of a 2.5-metre steel composite bridge with a lifespan of over 50 years, capable of withstanding flooding. The project will also cover 2 kilometres of approach roads, installation of gabions, guardrails, signage, and other features.
Officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony at Nkinga Grounds, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, warned the contractor against delays and shoddy work. He urged the company to hire local labour for effective monitoring and to work closely with area leaders to safeguard equipment.
Mitooma District Chairperson Karyeija Benon noted that the district had initially budgeted 700 million shillings for the bridge. However, after the plan stalled, residents accused him of misusing the funds. He said he is pleased that the central government has taken up the project.
Eng. Okullo Steve, representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Bageya Waiswa, said the project follows an official request from the Chief Administrative Officer. He explained that once completed, the bridge will restore direct access, reduce transport costs, and improve connectivity to key institutions including Nyakisojwa Health Centre III, Nkinga Schools, and other essential services.
Residents Begyesa Wycliffe and Mwebesa Didas welcomed the commencement of works, noting that transport costs have significantly increased since the bridge collapsed. They said the cost of travelling to the district headquarters rose from 3,000–4,000 shillings to 10,000–20,000 shillings due to longer routes.
They added that the area, which relies heavily on tea, local brew (waragi), and timber businesses, has suffered economically because of the poor road network.
