Transport has been brought to a standstill following the flooding of Rugunda Bridge in Southern Division, Kabale Municipality.
The bridge, located on River Rwabakazi, connects Mwanjari Ward to Rushaki Ward through Rugyendeira Cell and Bushuro Parish in Kitumba Sub- County. Its flooding comes after persistent heavy rains across the Kigezi sub-region.
As a result, both motorists and pedestrians have been forced to use longer alternative routes, including the Kigongi–Rushaki, Nyakijumba–Rushaki, and Karubanda–Bushuro roads, significantly increasing transport costs and travel time.
Clement Banyenzaki, a resident of Kirwa Cell in Bushuro Parish, says he was forced to pay 3,000 shillings for a boda-boda ride via the Rushaki–Kigongi route, up from the usual 2,000 shillings he pays to reach home.
Meanwhile, Ivan Byaruhanga, a resident of Bukoora who works in Bushuro, says he was asked to pay 2,000 shillings to be helped across the flooded bridge, money he did not have. He adds that some women who attempted to cross with the help of motorists slipped and fell into the water.
CUE IN… BANYENZAKI AND IVAN ON BRIDGE VOXPOP RR…//
Bushuro Cell Chairperson Alphonse Safari says the flooding has crippled the local economy, with transport and business activities grinding to a halt. He notes that expectant mothers, pupils, and the sick are now unable to access essential services in town.
CUE IN… SAFARI ON BRIDGE RR…//
Kitumba Sub- County District Councilor Medius Katushabe Cogan has described the situation as a disaster that requires urgent intervention. He says Bushuro and Rushaki parishes are now completely cut off, worsening already poor road conditions.
CUE IN… KATUSHABE ON BRIDGE RR…//
Southern Division Chairperson Macklin Batware says she has inspected Rugunda Bridge and another flooded section connecting Kirwa Cell to Rushoroza. However, she reveals that full repairs are estimated to cost between 200 million and 500 million shillings, far beyond the division’s current budget.
Batware adds that the matter has been forwarded to Kabale Municipality authorities for urgent intervention, citing their greater financial capacity to handle the repairs.
CUE IN… BATWARE ON BRIDGE RR…//
