Floods cut off Masaka-Kampala road, UNRA speaks out

The flooding followed the over flow of River Katonga thus covering about 200 meters of the road.

This reporter has since learnt that River Katonga Bridge later broke down in the wee hours of the night.

The site where the Uganda People’s Defence Forces plans to erect a multibillion army museum was also affected

Most traffic has been diverted to Mpigi-Kanoni- Sembabule –Villa Maria-Masaka Road, making the journey longer by 56km and costing more fuel.

A statement released by the Uganda National Roads Authority confirmed this traffic diversion saying the known route is now impassable.

“We would like to caution all mototrists using the Masaka-Kampala high. A section of the road has been affected by the floods as a result of River Katonga’s over flooding,” the statement read in part.

It further added: “All traffic will be diverted through the Mpigi-Kanoni-Madu-Sembabule route. The team is currently undertaking assessments to determine the damage caused on the bridge.”

A report by the Daily Monitor indicated that some commuter taxi operators in Masaka City did not work after several passengers declined to pay the extra fee and postponed their trips.

David Kizuula, a commuter taxi driver on Mbarara –Masaka-Kampala route, told the paper that he was buying fuel of sh180,000 for the single trip but the alternative route requires him to buy fuel of Shs250,000.

“It is beyond our own control and just pray that it doesn’t take long because we may start operating at a loss despite making a slight increase in the fares,” he said.