Mityana–Mubende Highway Turns Hazardous As Potholes Worsen

By Gad Masereka

Motorists using the Mityana–Mubende highway, and the stretch from Mubende to Kyenjojo, are increasingly raising alarm over the worsening condition of the road, which has been riddled with deep, uneven potholes that have turned the once-smooth tarmac into a treacherous trail.

The situation has not only slowed transport and disrupted trade but has also become a growing public safety and health concern for travellers and residents along the route.

For many drivers, the daily journey has turned into an ordeal. Buses, taxis, and trucks zigzag dangerously as they try to avoid the gaping holes that seem to multiply after every rainstorm.

The result is frequent traffic jams, damaged vehicles, and, in some cases, serious accidents. “We are no longer driving; we are surviving,” said James Kato, a taxi driver who plies the Kampala–Fort Portal route. “You cannot predict where the next pothole is. You either break your car or risk an accident trying to avoid them.”

The highway serves as a vital economic corridor linking central Uganda to the western region, carrying agricultural produce, fuel, and other goods to major markets.

However, transporters say the state of the road has increased their operating costs, with constant repairs on suspensions, tyres, and axles becoming a routine expense.

Bus companies have reported delays of up to two hours between Mityana and Mubende, while truck drivers complain of accidents caused by abrupt swerves to avoid craters.

Health experts warn that the poor condition of the road may also be contributing to a rise in back pain and related complications among frequent travellers. Long-distance drivers and passengers endure hours of bumpy rides that cause muscle strain and fatigue.

According to Dr. Brenda Namutebi, a physiotherapist in Mubende, prolonged exposure to such rough conditions can lead to chronic spinal problems. “We are seeing more cases of lower back injuries, particularly among drivers who spend long hours on these roads. The vibrations and jolts from the potholes take a toll on the body over time,” she explained.

Residents along the route have also raised concerns about the growing dust in areas where potholes have expanded into wide depressions. The dust clouds, they say, worsen respiratory conditions and make it difficult for small businesses, especially roadside vendors, to operate effectively.

Local leaders have appealed to the government to intervene urgently. Mubende District Chairperson, Mr. Francis Nsubuga, described the road as “a national embarrassment” that undermines development efforts in the region. “This road is the backbone of trade between central and western Uganda, yet its current condition discourages investment. We need timely action, not promises,” he said.

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has acknowledged receiving numerous complaints about the deteriorating sections of the highway and assured the public that maintenance works are being planned.

However, residents argue that patching alone will not solve the problem. They are calling for a complete overhaul of the road to ensure durability and safety.

As heavy rains continue, the situation is expected to worsen, threatening not only transport efficiency but also lives and livelihoods.

For now, every trip along the Mityana–Mubende–Kyenjojo road is a test of patience and endurance, with drivers, passengers, and traders hoping that the government’s intervention will come sooner rather than later.