UNRA Diverts Traffic as Heavy Floods Cut off West Nile Again

Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) says floods have paralyzed connectivity to Pakwach, Arua and other parts of the West Nile once again.

“Heavy flooding has occurred along the Olwiyo—Pakwach road, just adjacent to the Pakwach Bridge as one approaches the Bridge from Olwiyo/Karuma,” the roads authority said in a Thursday statement.

It advised road users intending to connect to the West Nile area from Kampala and Lira to use the Gulu-Adjumani road and connect to Laropi ferry to Moyo.

UNRA also advised those from Arua/Pakwach to use the newly built Paraa—Masindi road to connect to their different destinations.

“Our technical team is currently mobilising materials and equipment on-site to commence interim interventions to restore connectivity at this section.”

UNRA further appealed to all road users across the country to take precautions and desist from using flooded areas for their own safety.

Persistent problem?

In September this year, UNRA Executive Director Ms Allen Kagina and her team rushed to Pakwach for an inspection after floods cut off the Karuma-Pakwach highway through Nwoya district.

UNRA Spokesperson, Allan Ssempebwa, said Kagina together with technical staff including Hydrologists and Bridge specialists would engage the local leadership to share information on planned interventions.

The heavy flooding occurred along the Olwiyo-Pakwach road adjacent to Pakwach bridge affecting connectivity to Pakwach, Arua and other parts of West Nile leading to traffic diversion.

In 2020, floods displaced more than 23,000 residents of Obongi District in West Nile.