Frustrated by years of inaction from the government, residents of Karugangama Cell in Katete Ward, Mbarara City, have raised at least Shs 9.6 million towards the reconstruction of the damaged Kanyeite footbridge across River Rwizi.

The bridge, which was washed away by floods in 2022, is a vital link between Karugangama and several key destinations, including Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara City and Nyakaizi Ward in Mbarara City South Division.

It also provides the shortest route to Masha sub-county in Isingiro district, making it an important crossing for milk vendors, traders, students and other residents. Over the past three years, at least seven people have reportedly drowned while attempting to cross the damaged Kanyeite and nearby Taso village bridges, highlighting the need for a safer crossing.

Wilson Kafureeka, chairperson of the Karugangama Residents Development Association, said repeated appeals to the relevant authorities to restore the bridge had yielded no results, forcing the community to mobilise its own resources.

According to Kafureeka, residents have so far raised Shs 9.6 million and are now seeking to raise the remaining Shs 140 million required to construct a new bridge.

He said the destruction of the bridge has disrupted transport, trade and other economic activities, with residents resorting to makeshift log crossings that pose significant safety risks.

Kafureeka added that the association consulted the offices of the Mbarara City town clerk and the city mayor, who guided them through the process of obtaining engineering designs for the bridge. The designs have since been approved.

He said the association will soon launch a door-to-door fundraising campaign to mobilise the remaining funds needed for the project.

Mbarara City speaker Bonny Tashobya Karusya commended the community for taking the initiative, particularly its efforts to secure engineering designs with the support of the city authorities.

He said the proposed project involves the fabrication and installation of a 24-metre light-traffic steel bridge reinforced with concrete and designed to last at least 25 years.

According to Tashobya, the bridge will provide a safe and reliable crossing for pedestrians, motorcycles and light vehicles while offering a durable long-term solution for the community.

He appealed to the Ministry of Works and Transport to support the initiative, noting that previous requests for government intervention had gone unanswered.

The approved engineering design estimates the cost of constructing the bridge at Shs 140 million.

Mbarara City town clerk Justine Barekye confirmed that the city was aware of the residents’ initiative, adding that it had already written to the Ministry of Works and Transport seeking support for the project.

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