KISORO UGANDA: Members of the Kisoro District Social Services Sectoral Committee have blamed area Members of Parliament for what they describe as delayed intervention to repair the damaged Mucha Bridge, saying the situation has disrupted tourism, access to health services and economic activities.
The concerns were raised on Monday during a monitoring visit to the damaged bridge in Myundo Sub-county, Kisoro District.
Baker Niyigaba, the Kisoro District councillor representing persons with disabilities, said the bridge connects Kisoro to Bukimbiri County, tourism sites and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He said its damage had disrupted the movement of people and goods, affecting economic activities and access to essential services.
Niyigaba expressed concern that residents, including pregnant women seeking medical attention, were struggling to cross the river. He added that the situation could expose travellers to security risks.
Ntabanuye Emmanuel, the district councillor representing Kanaba Sub-county, described the situation as worrying, warning that movement could become more difficult during the rainy season.
He called on the district engineer and area Members of Parliament to prioritise efforts to restore the bridge.
Musimenta Benadeti, the councillor representing Nyundo Sub-county, urged the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament to intensify efforts to secure funding for the bridge’s repair.
She said women from surrounding villages were facing difficulties accessing health facilities, particularly when seeking urgent medical attention.
Komukama Winfred, the female councillor representing Nkuringo Town Council and Nyabwishenya Sub-county, called on district leaders to work together to support residents who depend on the bridge for transportation and economic activities.
Meanwhile, Densi Habyara Turyatunga, the chairperson of the Kisoro District Social Services Sectoral Committee and councillor representing Nyundo Sub-county, attributed delays in development projects to divisions among area Members of Parliament.
Habyara alleged that disagreements among the legislators were undermining collective efforts to lobby for development projects and resources for Kisoro District, with some opportunities reportedly going to other districts.
He challenged the leaders to use the Mucha Bridge crisis as an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to serving residents by lobbying the Ministry of Works and Transport for urgent intervention.
Habyara said restoring the bridge would improve access to health services, support local businesses and boost tourism in Kisoro District and the wider country.
Meanwhile, Kisoro District Chief Administrative Officer John Nyakahuma advised motorists travelling to Bukimbiri County to use alternative routes as the district pursues intervention from the relevant authorities.
Nyakahuma said the district was engaging the relevant authorities, while area Members of Parliament were also pushing for funding and intervention from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
He explained that repairing the bridge would require substantial funding beyond the district’s financial capacity, making support from the central government necessary.
The Mucha Bridge, located along the Kisoro–Bukimbiri road, is an important connection for residents, businesses and tourism operators. Its damage has disrupted transport and raised concerns about the safety and accessibility of communities that depend on it.
Let the district local government put emergency road as the ministry plans about it
What causes the damage