KISORO UGANDA: Bukimbiri County Member of Parliament Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu has called on the government to deploy police, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agency helicopters to provide emergency transport between Kisoro Municipality and Bukimbiri County following the collapse of River Mucha Bridge and the deterioration of an alternative road.
Kwizera’s appeal follows growing concerns among tourism operators and local communities over the deteriorating condition of the Karengyere–Nyanamo–Rubuguri–Rushaga–Nkuringo road, which has been serving as an alternative route since the Kisoro–Bukimbiri road was cut off by the collapse of River Mucha Bridge.
While presenting the matter to Parliament on Tuesday under matters of national importance, Kwizera expressed concern over the poor state of the alternative road, saying it was worsening transport challenges for residents and threatening tourism activities in the area.
He said that despite local communities signing memoranda of understanding and other agreements with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and tourism agencies, there had been no satisfactory response to their concerns following the collapse of the bridge last Friday.
Kwizera asked Parliament, through Speaker Rt. Hon. Jacob Markson Oboth, to engage the Ministry of Works and Transport and relevant security agencies to consider deploying helicopters to Kisoro to facilitate emergency transport to Bukimbiri, particularly for tourists travelling to the gorilla-tracking destinations of Rushaga and Nkuringo.
He argued that Uganda’s prevailing peace and security situation made the proposed emergency arrangement feasible, given Bukimbiri’s importance as a tourism destination.
CUE IN KWIZERA ON THE PROPOSED HELICOPTER DEPLOYMENT
In response, the Speaker called on the Minister of State for Transport, Julius Maganda Wandera, to address the concerns and explain the government’s plans to restore access to the affected communities.
Wandera acknowledged the challenges facing residents and other road users, saying the government would pursue a temporary solution while engineers work on plans for a modern bridge.
He said a temporary bridge would be constructed as the government works towards developing plans for a permanent structure as soon as possible.
The minister also commended Kwizera for his engagement with ministry officials, particularly those at the regional offices in Kabale, noting his continued collaboration with the ministry on issues affecting his constituency.
However, the minister’s response did not establish whether the proposed deployment of helicopters would be implemented.
CUE IN MINISTER WANDERA ON THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE
