By Obed Kankiriho
Authorities in Rubanda District have accused the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) of neglecting the district by failing to deploy road maintenance equipment to improve tourism and community roads.
The allegations emerged during the swearing-in ceremony of LC3 councillors for Ruhija Town Council in Rubanda District. Speaking at the event, Rubanda LC5 Chairperson Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba said that although UWA possesses road maintenance machinery capable of rehabilitating roads in conservation areas, none has been deployed in Rubanda. He claimed most of the equipment has instead been directed to the Rwenzori region, leaving roads in the district in poor condition.
Kasyaba called on the UWA Executive Director to deploy road equipment to Rubanda, pledging that the district local government would provide fuel to support road maintenance works. He emphasized that improved road networks are essential for tourism and community development.
Meanwhile, Ruhija Town Council LC5 Councillor Innocent Muhereza questioned UWA’s reported plans to close the feeder road linking Ruhija Sub-county through the forest. He urged the authority to consider community interests, noting that residents have supported conservation efforts and deserve reciprocal support.
In response, the Chief Warden of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Richard Muhabwe, clarified that only savannah national parks such as Kidepo, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth currently have fully operational road units.
Muhabwe added that Bwindi is expected to receive road equipment in future, but revealed that a grader previously deployed to the park is currently grounded due to mechanical failure and is under repair.
