The Hoima-Kampala highway is currently closed due to flooding caused by the R.Kafu bursting its banks.
R.Kafu is the border between Hoima and Kyankwanzi districts. On Monday evening at around 5 p.m., the river overflowed, causing transportation disruptions in the area. This was a result of prolonged heavy rainfall on Sunday, which lasted for over 7 hours.
The entire Kafu bridge is now submerged, making it impossible to cross. Travellers heading from Hoima to Kampala or vice versa have been advised to seek alternative routes. By 6 pm on Monday, numerous vehicles and passengers from both Hoima and Kampala sides found themselves stranded at the flooded bridge.
Julius Hakiza, the Albert region police spokesperson, explained that the police had to close the road due to the rising water levels.
According to Hakiza, travellers should consider accessing Hoima or Kampala through the Masindi district. Hakiza emphasized the importance of drivers and other motorists strictly adhering to the police’s directives, as driving through running water poses significant risks to both vehicles and passengers.
The route through Masindi to access Kampala is approximately 200km, adding an extra 70 kilometres for direct travellers. Dr Joseph Ruyonga, the Hoima West Division MP, who was en route to Hoima, had to turn back and take the Masindi route to reach his destination.
John Kyaligonza, a stranded driver, mentioned that the journey through Masindi to access Kampala is challenging but necessary given the circumstances. Christine Asiimwe, a passenger at the flooded bridge, expressed concerns about potential fare increases for travel to and from Kampala.
Peter Nsubuga, a resident of Katereiga in Kyankwanzi district, pointed out that the flooding of R.Kafu may affect students who cross from neighbouring Kyankwanzi district to study at Katereiga primary school in Hoima district, especially during the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). This situation requires education authorities in both districts to find alternatives for pupils in candidate classes, as they may not be able to cross the flooded bridge.
Rose Kyalisiima, a resident of Katereiga near the flooded bridge, voiced concerns that the bridge could be washed away as the water volume continues to rise. URN was unable to obtain a comment from the Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra) by the time of publishing this story.
In November 2015, River Kafu experienced a similar situation when it burst its banks following heavy rains, leading to prolonged disruptions in transportation to and from Kampala along the same route.
