Transport along Kitagwenda-Kamwenge road in Nyabbani Sub County in Kitagwenda district is paralyzed because of the breakdown of Mpanga bridge.
The Bridge that connects Kitagwenda and Kamwenge districts through Nyabbani, Kanaara, and Rwenjanja sub-counties, broke down because of heavy rains that have been pounding the area for the last three weeks.
Wilbrod Agaba, Margret Tumubwaine, and Godfrey Yasin, all residents of the area, say that they are now forced to pass via the Ibanda district, which they say is burdening.
Prior to the onset of the rains, the residents were traveling 20 kilometers to access Kamwenge district but they are now forced to pass through Ibanda to Kamwenge district through the Kinagamukono-Kyenkanga-Nyantsimbo-Kiburara route, which is about 40 kilometers long.
According to the residents, they were paying Shillings 5000 in transport from Kitagwenda to Kamwenge but they are now paying more than Shillings 25,000.
Kitagwenda District Engineer Andrew Baguma told URN that the district does not have emergency funds to fix the bridge or provide an alternative route to the residents. He says that the disaster and preparedness committee, which would provide a solution is not funded.
Richard Ssebandeka, the Kitagwenda chief administrative officer also told URN that he has already instructed the technical team to carry out an assessment of the bridge and compile a report that he will forward to the Ministry of Works and Transport for immediate action.
Kitagwenda Resident District Commissioner Longino Bahebwa has advised the public to use the Kinagamukono-Kyentanga-Nyantsimbo-Kiburara route in the Ibanda district while heading to Kamwenge instead of risking their lives. He also urged people to avoid risking being carried to cross the bridge.
