Iganga-Bugweri bridge collapses

Transport has been paralysed on Iganga-Bugweri Road following the collapse of Naigombwa Bridge that connects both districts at Nabukone and Minani villages, respectively.

When this reporter visited the area yesterday, a big stretch of the road was found flooded, with motorists and pedestrians unable to cross.

Residents said the bridge got broken last week following heavy rain.

Joshua Ekisima, the youth councillor of Nambale Sub-county in Iganga District, said the collapse of the bridge has affected transport in the area.

Women delivering from home
“Some expectant mothers are now delivering from home as they cannot access Minani Health Centre III in Bugweri,” he said.

Mr Farouk Bikaba, a resident of Minani Village, said business between Iganga and Bugweri district has been affected.

“Traders have been using this road to transport sugarcane, rice, furniture and maize to Kaliro, Busembatia, Iganga and Jinja; but his has now stopped,” Mr Bikaba said.

As an alternative, some shrewd residents have improvised a makeshift boat that they are using to ferry travellers from either side between Shs1,000 and Shs3,000.

The road is under the supervision of Uganda National Roads Authority.

Effects
The Nambale Sub-county chairperson, Mr David Mukuve, said if the road is not repaired in time, it will affect pupils mobility from Minani Village to the nearby government-aided Minani Primary School in Buyanga Sub-county.

“We informed UNRA about the problem last month and we are still waiting for their response,” Mr Mukuve said.

However, in a press statement last month, UNRA said they would start work on the roads when the rains stop.