Uganda's Scenic Routes Crumble: Protests Loom Over Deteriorating Tourism Roads

Former Kisoro District Chairperson Abel Bizimana has issued a strong call for tourism operators and local communities to organize peaceful protests against the severe deterioration of roads within the district. Bizimana, who holds the title of Lifetime Honorary Wildlife Officer of Uganda, emphasized that the poor state of the road network is significantly disrupting tourism activities and posing a grave threat to Kisoro District's overall tourism potential. He urged various tourism associations, unions, and other organized groups to unite in their demand for urgent government intervention to address the critical infrastructure issues affecting key tourism destinations.

Bizimana's appeal comes amid escalating concerns among tourism operators and residents in Bukimbiri County, particularly regarding the deplorable condition of the Karengyere-Nyanamo-Rubuguri-Rushaga-Nkuringo road. This particular road has become a crucial alternative route since the collapse of the Kisoro-Bukimbiri road at River Mucha Bridge, further exacerbating worries about access to vital tourism sites and communities in the area.

Highlighting the need for collective action, Bizimana asserted that individual efforts would be insufficient to resolve the pervasive problem. He encouraged tourism stakeholders to engage in coordinated advocacy, including holding press conferences and peaceful demonstrations, to draw significant attention to the ongoing road crisis. He accused the government of remaining silent on the issue despite its severity. Bizimana also disclosed that he had engaged Bukimbiri County MP Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, who reportedly contacted Works Minister Fred Byamukama in an effort to secure urgent intervention. Bizimana further urged other legislators representing Kisoro District to join Kwizera's efforts, stressing that a unified approach is essential to overcome the infrastructure challenges that are crippling the region's tourism sector.

Concurrently, Kisoro District Youth Councillor Juliet Kamusiime voiced her deep concern over the decaying road network, specifically pointing out the Nyanamo-Rubuguri road. Kamusiime stated that this road has been plagued with potholes for over three years and criticized the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) for its apparent failure to rectify the problem. She implored the government and relevant authorities to prioritize the maintenance and improvement of roads that serve tourism communities and destinations, warning that inadequate infrastructure continues to severely impede accessibility across the district.