Two boats that had been deployed to rescue a taxi stuck in floods at Pakwach Bridge have capsized.
Police said the boats had had three UNRA marine personnel, three UPDF Marine personnel and six persons rescued from the stranded commuter taxi.
"The search for survivors and victims is ongoing we hope for the best," police said.
Following a downpour, Tangi Junction on the Olwiyo–Pakwach road near Pakwach Bridge flooded, crippling connectivity between Arua, Gulu, and Kampala.
According to a source familiar with the operation, in the midst of the flooding, a taxi destined for Arua-Nwoya with passengers aboard attempted to ply through the flooded section only to get stuck in the middle of it all, leading to a rescue mission.
The development highlights the persistent challenge of extreme weather conditions affecting Uganda’s road network, worsened by recurring blockages in the White Nile that demand regular dredging to mitigate flooding.
The Pakwach bridge itself is reaching its lifespan. Last month, the Cabinet approved an emergency procurement for the construction of a temporary jetty bridge at the site.
The Wednesday flooding saw UNRA advise travellers to West Nile from Kampala to use the Paraa–Kisanja Park Junction road, while motorists from Gulu can take the Atiak–Adjumani route and cross using the Laropi Ferry to access Moyo.
Travellers to Gulu, Lira, or Kitgum are encouraged to use the Masindi Port ferry via Rwenkunye, off the Kampala–Gulu highway.
