Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has closed the Kabale – Kisoro road, following landslides in some parts of the Kigezi sub-region.
The landslides left the road section at Hamurwa along the Kabale – Kisoro road severely affected.
According to UNRA, traffic has been diverted to the Kabale – Katuna – Rubaya – Muko road (88 km) for travellers heading to Kisoro and vice versa from Kisoro to Kabale.
“As our emergency response team mobilises the needed equipment to restore the damaged section,” the authority said.
It advised road users to use Kabale – Lake Bunyonyi road, drive along the road for approximately 4Km up to the Kachwekano junction, then turn right at Kachwekano-Kagarama through Rubona to Hisesero/Muko (20Km).
From Muko, motorists can then drive along the existing road (Kabale-Kisoro Highway) to Kisoro.
However, some road users have revealed that the said routes are also in deplorable conditions.
“We continue to appeal to road users across the country to take precaution, avoid using flooded areas for their safety, and report flooding incidents for emergency action,” the authority noted.
18 people perish
Speaker Anita Among has demanded immediate intervention for residents of the Kigezi-Rwenzori region who have been affected by floods.
Reports indicate that 18 people died on Tuesday, 02 May 2023 as mudslides swept away houses and roads in the districts of Rubanda, Kisoro and Rukiga in the Kigezi region.
“We want to ask the Minister of Disaster to come and present immediate action they have taken on what is happening and the long-term plans. It still takes us back to the need for a Disaster Commission; it is a constitutional right but we have paid a deaf ear to that,” Among said.
The Speaker said this in her communication to the House on Thursday, 04 May 2023.
Among also urged residents in flood-prone areas to be on alert following the onset of the rainy season.
“This is a common occurrence during the rainy season and people in the Elgon region also need to be on alert because this has happened and it is going to continue happening. We must always be prepared for floods and droughts,” she said.
Bahati said the government is providing immediate assistance as they look at long-term solutions to the flooding problem
The Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Trade), Hon. David Bahati confirmed that the floods have so far killed 18 people, destroyed houses and washed away roads.
“The road from Katuna-Muko and the road to Lake Bunyonyi have all been destroyed by rain,” said Bahati.
He added that the government has responded to the situation and will institute long-term solutions to the floods and mudslides.
“We are doing all that we can to make sure that the situation at least temporarily improves as we plan for a lasting solution,” Bahati said.