Residents of Kigombya village in Mukono Municipality staged a protest on Friday, blocking the Kampala–Jinja highway and lighting fires on the road to express their anger over its worsening condition.
They complained that thick dust from abandoned roadworks has severely disrupted their businesses and endangered their health.
The unrest traces back to October 2025, when contractor EnergoProjekt removed the top layer of a one-kilometer stretch of road at Kigombya. Six months later, the project remains unfinished, subjecting residents to constant dust clouds and an increase in traffic accidents.
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To highlight their grievances, protesters used burning tires to obstruct traffic, effectively halting movement between Kampala and Jinja. They urged the Ministry of Works and Transport to urgently restart and complete the long-stalled construction.
Police in Mukono District quickly intervened, dispersing the demonstrators with teargas and reopening the highway.
Local business owners report significant financial losses caused by the dust, with furniture vendors and pharmacy owners losing millions of shillings, all while continuing to pay rent and taxes without any government support.
Wilbert Ainomugisha, a furniture dealer, lamented that the dust has destroyed his stock and driven away customers.
“I can’t even manage rent anymore. There’s no profit,” he said.
Restaurant owner Lillian Nakawesa shared similar frustrations, saying the dust contamination forced her to temporarily close her business.
“My food goes untouched. I had no choice but to close until the road is repaired,” she explained.
James Mujunga, the LC1 chairman of Kigombya village, criticized the government’s apparent indifference, noting that many commercial properties along the Kampala–Jinja highway now stand abandoned.
“It’s appalling that the road has been left in this condition,” he remarked.
Responding to the concerns, Ministry of Works and Transport spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa attributed the delays to funding constraints. He, however, assured residents that funding is expected before the fiscal year ends, and construction will resume once the money is available.
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