By Brian Mugenyi
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Masaka: For more than four decades, the people of Kyanamukaka Town Council in Bukoto Central Constituency carried a painful story of forgotten roads — a story of promises made, promises delayed, and communities forced to survive through difficult transport conditions.
But today, the narrative is changing.
The once dusty and challenging roads that defined daily life in the area are now witnessing a historic transformation as heavy machinery roars across the hills of Rural Masaka, signalling a new chapter of development, connectivity and economic opportunity.
For generations, farmers struggled to move their coffee and other agricultural produce to markets. Patients faced difficult journeys to health facilities, while businesses and investors often hesitated to venture into communities affected by poor road networks.
The upgrading of key roads connecting Sserinya, Baale, Bulegeya, Kamuzinda and Kanoni has brought renewed hope among residents who have waited for more than 40 years to witness major infrastructure improvement.
The project, being implemented under the Ministry of Works and Transport, is expected to strengthen trade, improve service delivery, reduce transport challenges and open new opportunities for investment across one of Greater Masaka’s productive agricultural zones.
Kyanamukaka Town Council Mayor Hajjat Zaina Nakidde described the development as a historic moment that will change the future of local communities.
“For many years, our people suffered because of poor roads. Farmers failed to access markets and businesses struggled to grow. Today, we are witnessing history being made. These roads will change the future of our communities,” Mayor Nakidde said.
She commended the Ministry of Works and Transport for responding to the concerns of residents and urged communities to support the project by cooperating with engineers and contractors on the ground.
“There is no compensation for land required for community feeder roads. I call upon our people to support this development because the benefits will remain here long after we are gone,” she added.
The Mayor noted that improved road infrastructure will boost economic activity across the constituency’s 105 villages and nine parishes, creating easier access to markets, schools, health centres and business opportunities.
Residents have also praised the continued engagement of the Office of Vice President Emeritus Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi in promoting development priorities within Bukoto Central Constituency.
Community members credited development activist Oscar Mutebi for consistently mobilising leaders and residents to advocate for improved infrastructure and government services.
For Ms. Vecencia Namulindwa, an elder and councillor in Kyanamukaka Town Council, the road project represents a victory for ordinary citizens who have waited for decades.
“We have lived through many promises. What makes this different is that we can now see the roads being worked on. This is the development we have been waiting for,” she said.
Namulindwa praised the partnership between the Ministry of Works and Transport, local leaders and the Office of Vice President Emeritus Ssekandi, saying it had helped amplify the voices of residents.
For local businessman Steven Kawonawo, the new roads mark the beginning of economic transformation.
“Good roads attract investors. They reduce transport costs and encourage businesses to expand. This project is opening a new chapter for Kyanamukaka and the entire Bukoto Central Constituency,” he said.
Over the years, Oscar Mutebi has championed community development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in Rural Masaka District through mobilisation programmes, support for coffee farming, distribution of agricultural equipment and promotion of government wealth creation initiatives.
Speaking about the project, Mutebi said infrastructure remains one of the strongest foundations for fighting poverty.
“When roads are improved, farmers reach markets, children reach schools, patients access health facilities and investors gain confidence. Development begins with connectivity and accessibility,” he said.
He also applauded President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for prioritising infrastructure development as part of Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.
Officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport say the works are progressing steadily, with technical teams monitoring construction standards to ensure quality and durability.
Engineer Mathew Ochuria said cooperation from local leaders and residents has contributed greatly to the progress of the project.
“We are committed to delivering quality roads that will serve these communities for many years,” he said.
The improved network is expected to strengthen transportation of agricultural products, especially coffee, which remains a major source of income for many households in Bukoto Central Constituency.
Local leaders believe the roads will attract investors, create employment opportunities for young people and accelerate economic growth.
As construction continues across Kyanamukaka Town Council, a community that once felt isolated is now witnessing a new reality.
For residents, these roads are not just about transport.
They represent hope.
They represent opportunity.
They represent a connection between rural communities and Uganda’s development journey.
After 40 years of waiting, Kyanamukaka is finally seeing the road to prosperity being built.
