Uganda, April 14 -- Tensions are rising in Namutumba District after a dispute over a century-old community road escalated into arrests and accusations, raising fears over access to healthcare services.

The standoff in Budongo Village centres on a road residents say has existed for more than 100 years and provides access to Namutumba Community Hospital.

Residents accuse the hospital management of blocking the road to pave way for expansion. They say a trench was dug earlier this year and private security officers deployed to stop people from using it.

Anger intensified after three people, including Budongo Village vice chairperson Abdu Nabongho, teacher Betty Nangobi and a parish chief identified as Jessy, were arrested. Residents claim...