Traffic paralysed as bridge on Iganga-Luuka road collapses
A man being carried to cross the flooded section of Iganda-Luuka Road. PHOTO BY YAZID YOLISIGIRA
IGANGA- Transport has been paralysed on the Iganga-Luuka road following the collapse of Namadope Bridge which connects Iganga and Luuka districts.
The bridge reportedly collapsed two days ago after its culverts were washed away by surging water.
When Daily Monitor went to the area, on Tuesday, a long section of the road was flooded and motorists from either side could not use it.
Mr Karim Musondo, a resident of Namadope village said pedestrians who are still using the road are risking their lives.
He said that transport fares on the route have been hiked.
Mr Yusuf Kiloba, another resident, said that the collapse of the road has affected business between the two districts.
However, the collapsed bridge has brought fortune to some able-bodied youth who carry pedestrians to cross the flooded sections at a fee.
Mr Jafari Muledu said he charges between Shs1,000 to Shs2,000 to carry adults while Shs500 is charged from children.
Daily Monitor has learnt that the road is under the supervision of Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra).
Mr Abdallah Balunywa, the Bulamagi Sub-county chairman said that he has informed Unra officials about the damaged road.
Efforts to get a response from the Unra spokesman, Mr Mark Ssali, were futile as his mobile phone was switched off.
