MP Mathias Mpuuga Condemns Shoddy Work On The Katonga Bridge

The leader of opposition, Hon Mathias Mpuuga has condemned the shoddy work which was done at the Katonga Bridge along the Kampala-Masaka highway.

This is after part of the road got washed away by the heavy torrential rains. The rain caused the Katonga river to flood and as a result, the Bridge was swept off.

Motorists currently can’t use this road as an alternative route has been provided by the Uganda National Roads Authority. Apparently, the alternative route provided by UNRA goes through Mpigi, Kanoni, and Sembabule.

It should be recalled that videos have been making rounds on social media showing how part of the bridge fell into the river.

Degradation of the Lwera wetland which serves as a water catchment area for River Katonga which feeds into Lake Victoria has been blamed for this problem.

A drive alongside this road shows many Chinese rice farms in the wetland. Sand mining is also another activity done in the river and no wonder it flooded.

Mathias Mpuuga who trots the same road to his constituency of Nkungwe-Muyende blamed the government for the shoddy work. Further, he said that this road from Busega to Masaka which has 127km cost billions of taxpayers’ money. However, it has simply lasted a decade and now it’s washed away.

“10 years after its construction, the Katonga River bridge has been washed away! This 127km road from Busega to Masaka cost the Ugandan taxpayer Shs 103bn.”

“The NRM is responsible for the destruction of the country’s ecosystems and over-exploitation of natural resources. Take a visit to the Lweera ecosystem and see how it has degraded, you’ll appreciate what we are saying.”

Destruction of the country’s natural resources all in the name of attracting foreign investors has greatly affected the climate. Forests such as Bungoma, Mabira among other physical features have all been destroyed.

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