Mpondwe Bridge collapse affects cross-border trade between Uganda and DRC
The collapsed Mpondwe Bridge in Kasese District on December 2, 2023. PHOTO | ALEX ASHABA
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Lt Maate Magwara, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner in charge of Bukonzo County, said the bridge collapsed due to continuous vandalism of the materials used during its construction, noting that heavy trucks cannot cross via the makeshift bridge improvised by UNRA.
The traffic situation from Saturday through Sunday remained paralysed for heavy-duty trucks carrying cargo along Mpondwe in Kasese District and Kasindi on the DR Congo side, due to the collapse of the Mpondwe Bridge connecting the two countries.
The collapsed bridge is few meters away from Mpondwe-Lhubiriha town council in Kasese District. Cargo trucks on the Ugandan side, which usually transport goods from Mpondwe market in Uganda or Kasindi in DR Congo, now find their businesses at a standstill as traffic authorities have advised them to park until the bridge is fixed or an alternative route for cargo trucks is established.
Lt Maate Magwara, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner in charge of Bukonzo County, said the bridge collapsed due to continuous vandalism of the materials used during its construction, noting that heavy trucks cannot cross via the makeshift bridge improvised by UNRA.
Lt Magwara explained that between 200 to 300 cargo trucks have been crossing the bridge. However, since Saturday, all trucks have been parked in either of the countries.
"Continuous theft of materials used in its construction, including the metallic culverts, weakened the bridge about a year ago. We informed UNRA, and they inspected the bridge with plans to address the issue," he said.
Business for both Uganda and DR Congo is currently paralysed because cargo trucks with goods cannot move.
“Communication has been made to UNRA to come on the ground, design a quick measure for trucks to move and initiate repairs on the collapsed bridge. Meanwhile, the alternative bridge adjacent to the collapsed one will continue to be used by motorcycle riders and small cars,” he added.
Mr Patrick Juma, a truck driver, said, "We are carrying merchandise heading to Kasindi and Beni in DR Congo. With the collapse of this bridge, it is affecting us. We don't know how long we must wait until the bridge is fixed. If the government delays addressing the issue, our goods will be adversely affected."
