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The water levels at Katonga River along Kampala – Masaka highway have risen significantly and blocked the road, posing a serious risk and causing major disruptions to travel and transportation in the area.

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has issued a statement urging caution to all road users and advising them to seek alternative routes until the river recedes and the road is cleared for safe travel.

Travellers from Kampala are encouraged to utilize the Mpigi-Butambala-Ssembabule road as a viable alternative.

For the road users’ safety, UNRA and Uganda Police have strongly advised to divert and use better alternative routes as they allow water to subside.

While individuals travelling from Kamapla are advised to take the Mpigi—Kanoni—Maddu—Ssembabule—Masaka route & vice versa for those from Masaka—Kampala as a diversion. Regular travelers along the Kampala-Masaka highway are concerned about the distance of the said roads.

The flooding has also affected nearby farms and livestock, with many farmers reporting significant crop damage and loss of animals. Local authorities have tried to aid assistance to affected residents, including emergency food and shelter.

Several travelers were saying that they are filled with dread whenever their vehicles cross the bridge. There are wide and deep cracks on the bridge and mild tremors can be felt on the structure whenever a heavy vehicle passes on it.

The bridge is so narrow and weak that two large vehicles cannot pass over it at the same time.

Efforts are underway to clear the blocked road and restore access to the affected areas. However, the situation remains precarious as the river levels continue to rise, and further heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days.

Mr. Dennis Kiwalabye a corporate worker based in Rakai has asked Government to repair the bridge immediately. He says that failure to do so, may cause a catastrophe in the not-too-distant future.

When asked the cause of a catastrophe Madam Susan Kataite, the Senior Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Works, could not provide definite answers when asked about the bridge. She however said the Ministry of Works will contact the responsible District Engineer to analyse the problem for Government to act upon it soon.

Katonga Bridge is the theoretical division between central and western Uganda. It has been used in the past as an important entry into Kampala.