Residents of Kyegegwa District are celebrating the long-awaited start of rehabilitation works on the 89-kilometre Mubende–Kyegegwa–Kyenjojo road, a key transport route that has been in poor condition for years.

The Ministry of Works and Transport began the project in early October and is expected to take 18 months to complete.

State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama, who inspected the ongoing works two weeks ago, said the ministry decided to rely on its own engineers and equipment instead of outsourcing the contract. “We have competent engineers and the necessary machinery to deliver this project efficiently and to standard,” Minister Byamukama said, expressing confidence in the ministry’s internal capacity.

The Mubende–Kyegegwa–Kyenjojo road is a crucial link on the Fort Portal–Mityana route, serving traders, tourists, and commuters across Western Uganda. Its deteriorating state over the past three years has drawn repeated complaints from road users and local leaders.

During his 30th coronation anniversary in September, the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, urged government to prioritise the road’s rehabilitation, describing it as a vital gateway to Tooro’s tourism destinations. His appeal was backed by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, who directed the Ministry of Finance to release the necessary funds.

The project’s launch has since sparked relief and optimism among residents and transport operators.

Ismael Rutangi, chairperson of the Kyegegwa Taxi Park, said drivers had long suffered the financial burden of maintaining vehicles damaged by potholes.

“We thank the government for finally responding. The potholes were damaging our vehicles, forcing us to spend heavily on repairs. A trip that should take less than an hour would sometimes last four hours,” Rutangi said.

Local trader Fortunate Kunuhira expressed hope that the rehabilitation will be completed within schedule to reduce the cost of transporting goods.

Boda boda rider Tobias Muhumuza added that frequent accidents had become a major concern as motorists struggled to navigate deep potholes and narrow sections of the road.

With the roadworks finally underway, residents believe the project marks a turning point for the region, one that will improve transport safety, boost trade, and open up new tourism opportunities across Tooro and beyond.