Kabale-Kisoro Route’s Collapse Sparks Safety Concerns and Heavy Traffic

Residents and users are facing concerns over the spot section of the abandoned Kabale-Kisoro Road in Rubanda district, particularly at Bwara village, Hamurwa town council. The collapse of this road segment on May 4, 2023, has resulted in heavy traffic on both sides. The road, which links Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, has caused disruptions in usual transportation and inconvenience to the local community, affecting their daily lives and economic activities.

To address the situation, UNRA diverted traffic to alternative routes, namely the 88KM Katuna-Rubaya-Muko and 20KM Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi-Kachwekano-Rubona-Heisesero roads. However, the residents and road users are concerned about the safety hazards and potential accidents the collapsed road poses to vehicles, pedestrians, school children, and cattle.

UNRA released a statement on May 8, stating that they would need three weeks to make the damaged section motorable. However, the locals urgently call for UNRA to fulfill its promises and resume repairs promptly to ensure the road’s safety and accessibility.

Rubanda district Chairperson, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, expresses fear of the expected rains this month, as they might cause further damage to the already vulnerable road. In response, Allan Ssempebwa, the UNRA spokesperson, assures in a phone interview that repairs are ongoing despite equipment breakdown. However, he does not provide a specific timeline for when the road will be fully functional again, mentioning that they are securing additional materials still under procurement.