Resident fume as Shs80m Namisindwa bridges collapse just two weeks after repairs

Namisindwa, Uganda: Residents of Bukiabi and Bukokho sub-counties have accused district authorities of shoddy workmanship and possible mismanagement of public funds after two recently repaired bridges collapsed barely two weeks after completion.

The district allocated UGX 35 million for the repair of Khabutanyi Bridge along the Bukhayaki–Bukiabi road and UGX 40 million for Mukhoti, also known as Namakhanga Bridge, along the Bumbo–Soono road. The repairs were reportedly carried out one week before the recent elections, but both bridges broke down two weeks after the polls.

Ronald Simiyu, a resident of Bukiabi, said Khabutanyi Bridge had remained in a damaged state for more than two years and was only fixed as elections approached.

“The timing raises questions. The bridge stayed unrepaired for years and was only worked on just before elections, yet it has collapsed again. We need value for money,” Simiyu said.

Boniface Kibingeyi, a shopkeeper in Bukhayaki Trading Centre, said the damaged bridge has severely disrupted business activities. “Customers can no longer access our shops easily. This bridge connects us to the community. We appeal for urgent intervention,” Kibingeyi said.

Baraza John, a resident of Soono Parish in Bukokho Sub-county, expressed shock that Mukhoti (Namakhanga) Bridge has now been repaired three times within nine months but continues to collapse.

“This is the third time within months. How can public money keep being spent on the same bridge with no lasting solution?” he asked.

When contacted, Mr Masayi Peter, Chairperson of the Works and Technical Services Committee, confirmed that the emergency repairs were funded under a supplementary budget approved on December 21, 2025, following public outcry.

He revealed that: of the received funds, UGX 35 million was allocated to Khabutanyi Bridge, UGX 35 million was allocated to Namakhanga Bridge in Soono Parish, UGX 75 million was allocated to Laaso Bridge, where more substantial works were undertaken, and UGX 25 million was earmarked for Namunyiri Bridge, where works have not yet commenced.

Masayi admitted that weak supervision and corruption could be contributing factors. “Concerns were raised before, but they were politicised. There must be a thorough probe to ensure value for money. Roads and bridges serve the entire community and must be handled seriously,” he said.

Efforts to obtain a comment from District Chairperson Wakweika Jackson were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated phone calls by press time.

The collapse of the bridges has once again left residents stranded, raising broader questions about accountability, infrastructure quality, and election-period project implementation in Namisindwa District.