Senior Reporter
The spot section of the abandoned Kabale-Kisoro Road by the National Roads Authority (UNRA) at Bwara village, Hamurwa town council in Rubanda district is threatening accidents among residents and road users.
The road section collapsed at Bwaara village on May 4, 2023, resulting in heavy traffic on both sides.
The road links Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. UNRA later diverted traffic to the alternative route of 88KM Katuna-Rubaya-Muko, and 20KM Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi-Kachwekano-Rubona-Heisesero roads.
On May 8, UNRA released a statement saying that they needed three weeks to make the damaged section motorable.
The residents and road users urge that the collapse and abandonment of construction works have disrupted usual transportation, caused inconvenience to the local community, impacted their daily lives and economic activities, and threatened to cause accidents that have created hazardous conditions for vehicles and pedestrians, school children as well as cattle.
They have expressed their urgent need for UNRA to fulfill its promises and quickly resume the repairs to ensure the safety and accessibility of the road.
The Rubanda district Chairperson Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba says that he is fearful of the expected rains this month, which may pose a significant risk of further damage to the already vulnerable road.
However, Allan Ssempebwa, the UNRA spokesperson, emphasizes in a phone interview with our reporter that their equipment had indeed broken down but assured that repairs are being made.
However, he did not provide a specific timeline for when the road would be fully functional again. Ssempebwa further says that they are securing more materials that are still under procurement.
