Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Executive Director Allen Catherine Kagina has confirmed that Kabale-Kisoro Road has been temporarily closed following serious cracks in the road at Hamurwa, which have been caused by a landslide following a week of heavy rainfall.
According to Kagina, the damaged spot is found in Hamurwa Town Council at the junction with Kanungu District in Rubanda East Constituency, and no heavy vehicle can now cross the spot.
Hon. Henry Aliganyira Musasizi, the Member of Parliament for Rubanda East, stated that he already learned about the disaster and has contacted the Uganda National Roads Authority to take immediate action before human lives are lost.
He also revealed that the Executive Director of UNRA has assured him that a team has been sent to the site to assess the damage before an official communication is made, and meanwhile, the road has been closed to motorists on either side.
The Kigezi UNRA Station Manager, who rushed to the scene, has also promised to make an official statement after inspecting the site and assessing the damage.
It’s also reported that the bridge along the Hamurwa-Kanungu road has been washed away, and no vehicle can use the route until the bridge is reconstructed.
The incident comes after landslides hit Kigezi Subregion, where the police confirmed the deaths of 13 people since Tuesday night.
“The police are still evacuating victims of landslides in Murora Sub County in Kisoro, Muko Sub County in Rubanda, and Noozi Sub County in Rukiga, where the landslides claimed the lives of several people,” Elly Maata Kigezi’s regional spokesperson said.
According to the Kabale LC5 chairperson, heavy rains have worsened the state of numerous roads and bridges in the area, and has asked the government to intervene as soon as possible to prevent more deaths and traffic inconveniences.