Hundreds stranded in Kyegegwa as floods cut off road
Residents standing nearby the bridge at River Muzizi in Kyegegwa District as they are stranded on how to cross the road that connects to Kibaale District. Photo by ALEX ASHABA
What you need to know:
- The Kyegegwa Resident District Commissioner, Ms Grace Nyakwera, said the district administration has already written to government and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) for the rescue.
- She blamed the incident to people who continue cultivating along the river banks, warning that all people living in the wetlands are going to be evicted.
As heavy rains continue being experienced in several parts of western Uganda, several bridges have been damaged and some roads have become impassable.
The bridge at River Muzizi that connects Kyegegwa and Kibaale Districts has been washed away making transport difficult along that road.
Also, the road that connects the three Sub Counties of Hapuuyo, Kigambo and Kakabala was also cut off following the heavy rains that poured on Monday.
Dwellers and school going children are now stranded since it is one of the main roads in the district.
The Kyegegwa District Chairperson, Mr Kasoke Byamukama, said since Monday, residents and school children have been stuck in their homes with no route to their places of work and schools.
He said most of the children in the district cross to Kibaale District to study while others go in sub counties that were also cut off due to the breakage of the bridge.
“I have visited all places that were affected and the biggest challenge we are facing now is that our children no longer go to school to do their end of term exams and famers are not taking their produce to market,” Mr Byamukama said.
The other bridge that was damaged is the liberation bridge that connects the village of Kazo to Kyegegwa and Kibaale District.
People crossing the Kaija swamp in Hapuuyo Sub County are now being helped by the youth who demand from Shs1, 000 to Shs2, 000 to make them cross the swamp.
He appealed to the government for immediate intervention to ensure that people access their places of work and schools.
Floods in the district have affected a number of other things including people’s gardens and houses.
The Kyegegwa Resident District Commissioner, Ms Grace Nyakwera, said the district administration has already written to government and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) for the rescue.
She blamed the incident to people who continue cultivating along the river banks, warning that all people living in the wetlands are going to be evicted.
