Grapevine

Trade disrupted in Kasese as floods damage 11 bridges

Kasese residents want 11 bridges reconstructed after they were damaged by floods in May and August, disrupting trade and transport within and outside the district.

However, local leaders said the district lacks the necessary funds, and no emergency financial support has been received from the central government to fix the bridges. As a result, residents in the affected areas are unable to use these bridges to transport their produce, leaving them isolated and disrupting their livelihoods.

The Kasese District chairperson, Mr Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi, said more than Shs100 million is required to reconstruct one bridge.

“I am aware of these challenges, but we need external support to address the infrastructural gaps in the district. As a district, we don’t have the necessary funds,” Mr Bukombi said.

Among the damaged bridges is the one connecting Kyarumba Town Council to Kaghema and Bwitho villages in Kyarumba Sub-county. The bridge, which crosses the Dubu River near Kyarumba Catholic Church in Karwemera Cell, was washed away during the May floods. A temporary wooden bridge was erected, but it can only accommodate pedestrians and motorcycles.