By Andrew Nakhaboya
BUDUDA
The rehabilitation of the five-kilometre Bushiyi trail in Bududa District has been launched, raising hopes of improved access to Mount Elgon and better connectivity for communities along the route.
The trail provides a shorter route through Bushiyi to Mount Elgon’s highest peak, Wagagai. However, poor road conditions have reportedly made it difficult for tourists and other travellers to access the area, with visitors raising concerns about the state of the route.
Speaking at the launch on Saturday, 26th September, 2026, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) administrator, Godfrey Matanda said the rehabilitation would improve accessibility and contribute to boosting tourism in the area.
Apollo Mangula, the councillor representing Bushiyi Sub-county, said the district had previously started work on the road but stopped before completing it, a situation he said had continued to hamper service delivery in the area.
Mangula said the intervention by UWA would improve access to the sub-county and make it easier for residents to access essential services.
Alex Murami, the Bududa District secretary for production, who represented LC V chairperson Geoffrey Natubu, called for quality work to ensure value for money.
Murami urged local leaders to closely monitor the project and ensure the works are carried out according to the required standards.
Bududa District engineer Tom Shibale said the project was being supported by UWA under the force account arrangement.
Shibale said there was no private contractor for the works, explaining that UWA would support the district with fuel and facilitate engineers to supervise the rehabilitation.
He said the intervention was intended to improve transport and accessibility for communities along the route.
Suzan Mutali, who represented the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), called for close coordination between residents and UWA to ensure the works are implemented smoothly and to the required quality standards.
Isaac Modoi, the Lutseshe County legislator and chairperson of the Bududa District roads committee, said improved accessibility would also benefit farmers in hard-to-reach communities by making it easier to transport agricultural produce to markets.
Bududa Deputy Resident District Commissioner Ibrahim Mukamba said the works had started and were expected to be completed within one week, given the pace of implementation.
Mukamba urged the relevant authorities to ensure the project was properly implemented to benefit both residents and visitors.
Residents who spoke to our reporter welcomed the rehabilitation, saying the improved road would enhance access to markets and essential social services, including health facilities.
They said better road access would also enable children to reach school on time, particularly those travelling from communities that have been affected by poor road conditions.
The rehabilitation is expected to improve connectivity, support tourism activities and enhance access to markets, health facilities, schools and other essential services for communities along the route.
