Transport along the Kabale–Kisoro highway was on Friday brought to a standstill near the Kanaba Security Checkpoint after heavy rainfall triggered landslides, once again exposing the vulnerability of the critical regional road to extreme weather events.
The landslides occurred in Kagano Village, Muhindura Parish, Kanaba Sub-county in Kisoro District, where tonnes of soil and debris slid onto the highway following a heavy downpour. The debris rendered the road impassable for several hours, creating dangerous driving conditions and paralyzing traffic.
Beyond disrupting transport, the landslides caused significant losses to local residents. Nearby gardens were damaged, with crops such as onions, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and rubiris washed away, further compounding the economic impact on farming communities already grappling with unpredictable weather patterns.
The Kabale–Kisoro road is a strategic corridor, serving as a key link between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The disruption was made worse by increased traffic during the Christmas festive season, as travelers, traders, and tourists struggled to access the region.
The road also plays a vital role in Uganda’s tourism sector, connecting major attractions in Kisoro District, including Lake Mutanda, Lake Mulehe, Lake Chahafi, Mgahiga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—globally recognized destinations for mountain gorilla tourism.
Repeated disruptions threaten not only local mobility but also tourism revenues and regional trade.
In response, the Ministry of Works and Transport issued a statement on Friday evening confirming that emergency measures were underway to restore access.
“Motorists are informed that landslides have occurred near the Kanaba Security Checkpoint along the Kabale–Kisoro Road following today’s heavy downpour. Our station team in Kabale is mobilising to clear the affected section. Please drive with caution. Updates will be shared as works progress,” the Ministry said.
While the immediate response is welcome, the incident has renewed calls for long-term solutions, including improved drainage systems, slope stabilization, and climate-resilient road infrastructure to prevent recurring disruptions along one of southwestern Uganda’s most important transport routes.
