Transport between Bukimbiri County and Kisoro town has been disrupted after a bridge near Mucha Bistro was damaged by two trucks carrying sand on Friday, leaving motorists stranded and raising concerns about access to popular gorilla trekking destinations.
The incident has rendered the bridge impassable to vehicles, affecting tourists, traders and other road users travelling between the two areas.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has advised traveler’s heading to gorilla trekking destinations to use an alternative route via Kisoro–Karengyere–Nyanamo–Rubuguri–Rushaga–Nkuringo.
According to UWA, the alternative route is motorable, although it is a murram road whose condition may deteriorate during rainy weather. Drivers have been urged to exercise caution while using the diversion.
UWA estimates that the alternative route will add between 30 and 45 minutes to the journey. Visitors have also been advised to leave Kisoro town early to avoid arriving late for their scheduled gorilla trekking briefings.
Following the bridge’s destruction, some motorcyclists and pedestrians have resorted to crossing through the water to reach the other side, despite the difficult conditions.
Residents say the bridge had developed cracks long before the incident, but heavy trucks continued using it daily, raising concerns about its structural condition before the damage occurred.
They have called on the government to intervene urgently and restore the bridge to ease transport and ensure the safe movement of people and goods between Bukimbiri County and Kisoro town.
CUE IN RESIDENTS… ON THE BRIDGE… RR//
Kisoro District LC5 chairman Richard Ndyana said he had reported the incident to the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Finance for intervention.
Ndyana said the district was exploring measures to establish an alternative route to enable residents and traders to continue with their businesses while efforts to address the problem continue.
He also urged the central government to decentralize services to enable district authorities to respond more quickly to emergencies of this nature.
CUE IN NDYANA… ON THE MATTER… RR//
In a post on her X account, Kisoro Woman MP and Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence) Grace Akifeza Ngabirano described the incident as unfortunate.
She said she was in contact with the Ministry of Works and Transport and district authorities to find a short-term solution while efforts are made to secure a lasting remedy as soon as possible.
