By Fred Muzaale
KAYUNGA – Leaders from Kayunga and neighbouring Mukono District have expressed optimism over the progress of construction works on the new Ssezibwa Bridge, saying the project is expected to bring relief to motorists and other road users who have endured costly and difficult alternative routes for years.
The Shs54 billion project involves the construction of a new arch bridge across River Ssezibwa in Kayunga District to replace the existing 70-year-old bridge, which has deteriorated and outlived its operational lifespan.
The works are being undertaken by Dynaco Ltd, a local construction firm, under the Emergency Reconstruction of Ssezibwa Bridge project, which also covers a 1.6-kilometre road section.
The scope of the project includes surveys and investigations, detailed engineering designs and construction works.
According to the project team, the contractor has already constructed a 60-metre-long double-span concrete bridge and four concrete cross-box culverts.
Construction commenced in June 2024 and was initially expected to take 18 months, with completion scheduled for December 2025.
However, the contract period was extended after adverse weather conditions and cash flow challenges affected progress.
Engineer Peter Tibenderana, Dynaco Ltd’s Manager for Projects, said the revised completion period now runs until February 3, 2026.
On Thursday, September 3, leaders from Kayunga and Mukono Districts inspected the project during a guided tour of the construction site led by Engineer Tibenderana and the Project Manager, Engineer Yasiin Kayemba.
The delegation was led by Kayunga District Chairperson Andrew Muwonge and included Kayunga Town Council Mayor Saul Balagadde, Mukono Assistant Resident District Commissioner Hassan Mwanje, Kayunga Deputy Resident District Commissioner John Magezi and other local leaders.
The leaders expressed satisfaction with both the quality and progress of the construction works.
“We are excited about the quality of the work and the progress of the construction works, and we are now sure that by early next year, the untold suffering of our motorists and other road users will be over,” Muwonge said during the inspection.
Motorists and transporters have faced significant challenges since heavy vehicles were restricted from using the old bridge because of its deteriorating condition.
Since 2024, heavy trucks, particularly those transporting sugarcane and other agricultural produce from Kayunga District, have been diverted to alternative routes.
Road users say the alternative routes are longer, resulting in increased fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, while some sections become difficult or impossible to use during the rainy season.
Tibenderana said construction of approach roads on both sides of the bridge is currently underway and announced that motorists and other road users are expected to begin using the new bridge on September 12.
He explained that once the new crossing is opened, water will be redirected to flow beneath the new bridge while the flow beneath the old bridge is blocked to allow for the removal of the ageing structure.
The section occupied by the old bridge will subsequently be filled with stones and soil as part of the reconstruction works.
Engineer Kayemba said the project was now approaching its final stages, although several activities were still pending.
“We are also remaining with the construction of pavement layers and asphalt concrete surfacing, embankment and erosion protection,” Kayemba said.
He added that it would be up to the Government to determine what would eventually be done with the old bridge after its removal.
During the inspection, Muwonge also raised concerns about security along the Ssezibwa stretch, which has previously been associated with criminal activities.
He asked the contractor to consider installing street lighting around the bridge to improve security for motorists and other road users.
However, Tibenderana said that while the contractor supported the idea, the project currently had no funds allocated for street lighting. He urged local leaders to lobby the Government for additional funding.
“This bridge belongs to you and the users. Ensure that it is well maintained and do not allow vandals to steal some of its components,” Tibenderana told the leaders.
The leaders said the new bridge is expected to boost trade and economic activity by improving connectivity between Kayunga and neighbouring districts, including Mukono, Kamuli, Nakasongola and Buyende.
For truck drivers and transporters, the opening of the bridge is expected to significantly reduce operational costs and travel time.
Daniel Lumala, a truck driver who transports agricultural produce, said the poor condition of alternative routes has increased the cost of doing business.
“Because of the poor state of the alternative route, I now drive irregularly to Kayunga District to collect agricultural produce,” Lumala said.
He said truck drivers are currently spending more money on fuel and vehicle repairs because of the longer routes and poor road conditions.
The progress on the Ssezibwa Bridge comes after the recent completion of other bridge projects linking Kayunga District to neighbouring Nakasongola and Kamuli districts, improving connectivity and easing the movement of people and goods in the region.
Local leaders are now hopeful that the opening of the new Ssezibwa Bridge will mark another major step towards improving transport, trade and economic development across Kayunga and the wider central and eastern Uganda region.
English 