Kazo district local government has intensified works on the construction of the Akati Box Culvert Bridge in Engari sub-county following the receipt of UGX 330 million in emergency road fund support from the government of Uganda.

The project, which is being implemented by the District Engineering Department, is expected to significantly improve transport and connectivity for residents and businesses along the Kigarama–Kicumu–Nsheshe–Akati–Karutusi road corridor.

According to the District Engineer, Eng. Ntwirenabo Coleb, construction works are progressing steadily and the bridge is expected to be completed by mid-July 2026.

"We have prioritized the construction of Akati bridge, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that it is completed on schedule. Once the bridge is completed, we shall focus on improving the 28-kilometer Kigarama–Kicumu–Nsheshe–Akati–Karutusi road in the next quarter," Eng. Ntwirenabo said.

He further revealed that the district has plans to widen and improve sections of the road that are currently in poor condition to facilitate safer and more efficient transportation.

Another engineer, Eng. Akanyijuka Andrew, noted that previous efforts to address the bridge challenge were constrained by limited funding.

"Previously, the district only managed to spend about UGX 20 million on temporary culvert installations, which were not sufficient to address the problem permanently. We thank the government of Uganda for prioritizing this bridge and providing emergency funding that will greatly benefit the community," he said.

The construction of Akati Bridge has been a long-standing concern among residents and local leaders. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Hajji Badru Mayanja Majwala and the LCV Chairperson, Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, have consistently tasked the District Engineering Team to prioritize the project in response to community concerns.

During several senior management meetings, the engineering department committed itself to fast-tracking the bridge works. At the Senior Management Meeting held on June 22, 2026, the CAO Hajji Badru Mayanja Majwala once again urged the engineers to speed up the construction while maintaining high-quality standards.

To support the project, the Ministry of Works and Transport provided additional equipment, including an excavator, concrete mixers and a vibrator machine, enabling the district engineering team to efficiently execute the works.

Residents have welcomed the development and expressed appreciation to both Kazo district local government and the government of uganda for addressing the long-standing infrastructure challenge.

Nahurira Wilber, a milk transporter operating in the area, said the bridge will greatly improve transportation and reduce disruptions.

"I am very happy that the government is working on this bridge. It will make transportation safer and easier, especially for those of us who depend on this road for our livelihoods," he said.

Similarly, Moses Ahirwa, a resident of the area, noted that school-going children have suffered greatly during rainy seasons due to the poor state of the crossing.

"Our children who study at Akati Primary School have always faced difficulties crossing during heavy rains. Once this bridge is completed, they will be able to travel safely and attend school without interruptions," he said.

The completion of Akati bridge is expected to enhance mobility, boost trade, improve access to education and health services, and strengthen socio-economic development within Engari Sub-county and the wider Kazo district.

By Tinyefuza Naboth, Communications Officer, Kazo District Local Government