Motorists traveling from Iganga via the Luuka–Kamuli road have been forced to divert after floods destroyed the Namadope Bridge, located about 42 kilometres from Iganga town.
The bridge collapsed following heavy rains that battered the area overnight, leaving several vehicles stranded.
All traffic has since been redirected to an alternative route through Namakakale and Waibuga villages, which passes through Luuka and Mayuge districts.
The diversion is considerably longer and more costly for travellers and transport operators.
Ali Kizza, a boda boda cyclist from Walugogo Stage in Iganga, said he can no longer afford to transport passengers to Luuka due to the increased distance and fuel costs.
“A journey from Iganga to Luuka that used to cost Shs5,000 now costs Shs15,000,” Kizza said.
Luuka District Local Council Chairperson Simon Wakaze told the Nile Post that the matter has already been reported to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) for urgent intervention.
By press time, a lorry loaded with sugarcane and several motorcycles were still stuck near the damaged bridge, as residents appealed for temporary repairs to restore movement along the busy route.
