Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has commended the construction progress of Ncwera Bridge in Mitooma District, declaring that the strategic infrastructure will permanently restore connectivity for cut-off communities.
Tayebwa, who represents Ruhinda North County, led a delegation of district leaders on an on-site inspection tour of the works at Kyamwebya Village on Wednesday.
The critical crossing marks the boundary between Ruhinda North and Ruhinda South constituencies.
Flash floods swept away the original 1985 crossing in 2021, paralyzing motorized transport across both constituencies for five years.
Stranded residents relied on a precarious timber footbridge to access schools, healthcare facilities, and commodity markets.
Tayebwa thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for intervening directly to release state funds for the reconstruction.
“For us, our services were totally cut off until His Excellency the President intervened himself and directed the Ministry of Finance to provide funds to do this bridge,” Tayebwa said.
The Deputy Speaker indicated that the project applies high-grade engineering standards designed to withstand climate shocks for a century.
“It’s for a minimum of 100 years. This will be a game changer,” he said.
Project site engineer Martin Bakunzi reported that physical works have reached 40 percent completion and remain strictly on schedule.
“We are at about 40% progress and we will finish it on time. We thank the community for being hospitable and cooperative. We are working jointly with them,” Bakunzi said.
Mitooma District Woman Member of Parliament Rebecca Kyarampe, who chairs the district roads committee, commended the technical team and praised local residents for supporting the civil contractors.
“The work done is very impressive. I want to thank the people of Mitooma for being cooperative and I encourage them to continue working with the engineers working on the project,” Kyarampe said.
The inspection formed part of constituency monitoring initiatives by lawmakers during the current parliamentary recess.
Mitooma LCV Chairperson Benon Karyeija, the Resident District Commissioner, and the Chief Administrative Officer joined the inspection tour.
The completed bridge will re-establish seamless trade routes and guarantee safe access to regional healthcare hubs and education centers.
