As part of efforts to boost trade and service delivery in Kanungu District, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has constructed a bridge that links two villages: Nyamizi Cell in Kihanda Sub-county and Kakoni LC1 in Nyarugunda Parish, Kanungu.
The bridge, constructed by the UPDF Engineers Brigade at a cost of 50 million shillings, is part of the ongoing activities aimed at supporting communities during the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations.
Its construction follows persistent challenges faced by residents who struggled to transport their produce including coffee, bananas, and cattle to the market as well as access public service such as education and health.
According to the head of the UPDF Engineers team in Kigezi, Maj Albert Mukama, the bridge was built using locally sourced materials such as timber and stones, following a smart and cost-effective engineering approach.
He explained that the bridge was built to military engineering standards, making it strong and safe even for heavy vehicles. He added that this is not the first structure of its kind, noting that similar bridges constructed by the team in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo can support the movement of heavy trucks and tankers.
Maj Mukama said the construction of the bridge was due to the difficulties residents previously faced when moving their goods across the hilly terrain and accessing health and education services across the stream. He added that the new bridge would last not less than 20 years if it is well maintained.
The area chairperson, Kintu Henry, applauded the soldiers for constructing the bridge, saying residents had long struggled to cross a difficult valley, but the situation has now improved. He noted that some residents, especially school children had in the past lost their lives while trying to cross the stream, on an improvised bridge, after heavy rains.
The UPDF Director of Civil Military Cooperation, Brig Gen Micheal Kibuye thanked the Engineers for a job well done within less than a month, adding that the construction was one of the several civil military engagements that the UPDF has undertaken in Kigezi as part of 45th Tarehe Sita Activities.
The bridge will be officially handed over to the community on 6 January, 2026.
