EDITOR
Residents across several parts of Kisoro District are counting heavy losses after persistent rains caused widespread destruction.
In Bunagana Town Council, residents of Gatwe Village are appealing to the government to urgently repair Gatwe Bridge, which was washed away by the strong waters of Ntebeko stream, originating from Mount Mgahinga. The bridge connected communities to schools, markets, and health facilities, but with it gone, roads are now impassable, leaving residents struggling to move around.
Tourism is also taking a hit. Roads leading to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks have been severely damaged. At the Ruhezamyenda section in Nyundo Sub-county, tourists are often forced to disembark from vehicles and cross flooded areas on foot. Tour operators report difficulties transporting supplies to lodges, while visitors face high travel costs, disrupting itineraries and affecting tourism revenue in the district.
In a shocking incident last week, floods in Nango Village, Maziba Ward exhumed a body that had been buried for a week. LC1 Chairperson Leo Niyibizi says heavy rains destroyed homes and gardens, leaving residents stranded. He urges authorities to construct proper drainage systems to prevent further disasters.
Meanwhile, in Sooko Parish, at least three houses were washed away, leaving several families homeless. LC2 Chairperson Emmanuel Nizeyimana says the destruction of gardens and crops threatens livelihoods and food security. Residents, many of whom had borrowed money for farming, are calling for immediate relief support.
Criticizing the district’s disaster response, LC5 Councilor John Mfitumukiza says the Kisoro District Disaster Management Committee often reacts only after damage occurs, rather than taking early preventive action. Councilor Martin Hakizimana of Muramba Sub-county also raised concerns over delays in improving the Kisoro–Mgahinga road, citing subcontracting issues with Samcrete.
The Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and Disaster Committee Chair, Rukundo Manasseh, says a report on affected areas is being compiled and assures residents that district leaders are following up.
