KISORO UGANDA — Tourism access to parts of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has been disrupted following the collapse of River Mucha Bridge along the Kisoro–Bukimbiri road, cutting off the main route to the park’s Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors.
The bridge, which connects Kisoro Municipality to Bukimbiri County, reportedly collapsed on Friday, leaving the road impassable and disrupting transport for residents, businesses and tourists travelling to the two gorilla-trekking destinations.
The incident has raised concerns among tourism operators who depend on the route to transport visitors to the park. Some tourism vehicles have reportedly remained parked at hotels and campsites as operators adjust to the disruption.
The affected route is also important for tourists combining visits to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with excursions to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Lake Mutanda, all major attractions in the Kisoro area.
Bwindi is internationally known for its endangered mountain gorillas and attracts visitors from across the world. Beyond gorilla trekking, tourism activities in the area include gorilla habituation experiences, bird watching, guided forest walks and community cultural experiences.
The disruption could affect tour operators, transport providers, accommodation facilities, guides, craft sellers and local communities that depend on tourism-related income.
However, the full economic impact remains unclear, including the number of tourists affected, any cancelled bookings and the potential losses businesses may incur if the disruption continues.
The bridge reportedly collapsed when a Fuso truck loaded with charcoal attempted to cross it.
There have also been concerns about heavy trucks transporting sand and murram from Bukimbiri to Kisoro Municipality, with allegations that the vehicles may have contributed to the bridge’s weakening. However, the exact cause of the collapse has not been independently established.
Residents say the bridge had developed cracks before the incident, raising concerns about its condition and safety.
The collapse has disrupted transport along the route, with some motorcyclists and pedestrians reportedly attempting to cross the river as residents call for urgent government intervention.
Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Veterans Affairs Akifeza Grace Ngabirano said she had learnt with concern about the collapse of River Mucha Bridge, which connects Bukimbiri County and Bufumbira County.
Ngabirano said she was in contact with the Ministry of Works and Transport and district authorities to seek a short-term solution as efforts continue towards a long-term intervention.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced a temporary road closure at River Mucha Bridge and advised tourists travelling from Kisoro to the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to use an alternative route.
In its advisory, UWA confirmed that the bridge had sunk or collapsed and was impassable to all traffic.
The authority directed travellers to use the Kisoro–Karengyere–Nyanamo–Rubuguri–Rushaga–Nkuringo route as a temporary alternative.
UWA said the diversion was motorable but consisted of a murram road, advising drivers to exercise caution, particularly during rainy weather.
The authority warned that the alternative route could increase travel time by approximately 30 to 45 minutes. It also encouraged tourists to leave Kisoro early to avoid arriving late for gorilla-trekking briefings.
UWA apologised for the inconvenience caused, reiterating that the safety of tourists and the local community remained a priority.
As residents and tourism operators await further government intervention, concerns remain over how quickly the damaged crossing can be restored.
The incident has also renewed calls for improved road infrastructure and regular maintenance along routes serving tourism destinations in Kisoro District.
For businesses and communities that depend on visitors, restoring reliable access to Rushaga and Nkuringo is essential to minimise disruption and sustain tourism-related livelihoods.
Authorities are expected to provide further guidance on the restoration of the crossing and any additional measures required to maintain safe access to the affected tourism destinations.
