KISORO, UGANDA — The Ministry of Works and Transport has broken its silence on the collapse of River Mucha Bridge along the Kisoro–Bukimbiri road, confirming that the crossing is impassable and announcing an emergency intervention to address the situation.
In a travel advisory issued on Saturday, October 10, 2026, the ministry informed motorists and tourists travelling from Kisoro to the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park about the disruption and directed them to use an alternative route.
The ministry said its technical team had embarked on an emergency intervention following the collapse, which has disrupted direct access to the two major mountain gorilla trekking destinations.
“River Mucha Bridge has collapsed and rendered the crossing impassable,” the ministry stated in its advisory.
The affected bridge lies along a key transport route connecting Kisoro Municipality to Bukimbiri County and serving tourists travelling to the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Under the new traffic arrangement, motorists heading to Rushaga and Nkuringo have been advised to use the alternative route through Kisoro–Karengyere–Nyanamo–Rubuguri–Rushaga–Nkuringo.
According to the ministry, the diversion is a motorable murram road, although travellers should expect their journeys to take approximately 30 to 45 minutes longer than usual.
The ministry has urged motorists to drive cautiously, particularly during rainy conditions, and to set off early to minimise delays.
“We remain committed to providing safe, reliable transport infrastructure and services,” the ministry said, assuring road users of its commitment to addressing the disruption.
The collapse has raised concerns among residents, businesses and tourism operators who depend on the road for transport and access to essential services.
Rushaga and Nkuringo are important gateways to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a major tourism destination internationally known for mountain gorilla trekking. The disruption could complicate travel arrangements for visitors heading to the park, particularly those expected to attend scheduled gorilla trekking briefings.
Tour operators have been forced to adjust travel arrangements as motorists switch to the longer alternative route. Travellers have consequently been advised to allow additional time for their journeys and follow official guidance.
Residents had reportedly raised concerns about cracks on the bridge before its collapse. Some also suspect that heavy trucks transporting sand and murram from Bukimbiri to Kisoro Municipality may have placed pressure on the structure. However, the cause of the collapse has not been officially established.
The bridge reportedly gave way as a Fuso truck loaded with charcoal was crossing it, leaving the route impassable.
Meanwhile, some residents have reportedly continued attempting to cross the river on foot or using motorcycles, raising safety concerns as authorities work to address the situation.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has not provided a confirmed timeline for restoring normal access in the advisory, but says its technical team has begun emergency intervention.
