
Locals Construct Njororo-Kyentemere Bridge After Years of Waiting for Government Support
Rukungiri: Residents of Nyabitete and Nyakitabire in Bungangari and Ruhinda sub-counties, Rukungiri District, have taken matters into their own hands by constructing the Njororo-Kyentemere Bridge after years of waiting for government intervention.
The bridge, located between Kanyatuutu Cell in Nyabitabire Parish, Bugangari Sub-county, and Kigarigari Cell in Nyakitabire Parish, Ruhinda Sub-county, collapsed several years ago, leaving locals stranded. Without the necessary government support, the residents began collecting funds to rebuild the bridge themselves.
Speaking to our reporter during a community work session on January 25, coordinated by locals with the support of the Minister for Security Jim Muhwezi who was represented by his political assistant Isaac Kaharuza, residents revealed that the project engineer initially requested UGX 44 million to construct the bridge. However, due to financial constraints, locals resorted to pooling resources. So far, they have raised and spent over UGX 12 million of the UGX 36 million needed to complete the project.
The councilor for Nyabitabire Parish in Ruhinda Sub-county Primah Musiimenta, highlighted the challenges faced by the community. She noted that expectant mothers struggle to access health facilities due to a lack of transportation, students rarely attend school because of the risks of crossing the river, and elderly residents can no longer attend church services.
CUE IN….MUSIIMETA//RR
The LC I chairperson for Kanyatuutu Cell Yoab Bahumwire, commended the residents for their cooperation and dedication to building the bridge. He noted that two lives have already been lost while attempting to cross the river, emphasizing the urgent need for the bridge to improve community safety and development.

The project coordinator Gershom Ngabirano, and the chairperson of the Bataka group Jackson Twesigye explained that the bridge serves as a critical connection between Ruhinda and Bugangari sub-counties. Its absence has disrupted access to markets, education, churches, coffee processing machines, and other essential services. Ngabirano added that the river becomes particularly dangerous during the rainy season, making the construction of the bridge even more urgent.
The district councilor for Ruhinda Sub-county, Benson Karyamarwaki, encouraged locals to remain united and determined to see the project through to completion. Bugangari Sub-county Deputy Speaker Patrick Mugisha acknowledged the significant financial burden on residents, who continue to fund the project from their own pockets.
CUE IN….VOXPOP//RR
Representing Minister Jim Muhwezi, Isaac Kaharuza applauded the community for their efforts and described the bridge as a major achievement. He assured locals of the minister’s continued support, including rehabilitating roads, constructing water sources, and improving health facilities. Kaharuza also donated UGX 1 million and eight steel beams to assist in the bridge’s construction.
CUE IN….KAHARUZA//RR