The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced that the Hoima-Kampala Road is closed to traffic due to flooding of the Kafu River. The river burst its banks on Monday afternoon, stranding several residents and vehicles on either side of the road.
“We have been advised to inform all the passenger and cargo vehicles to turn back and take alternative routes as police takes charge of the situation,” said Johnson Kumakech, a resident of Buhanika sub-county in Hoima district.
The Albert region police spokesperson, Julius Hakiza, said that the police have closed the road to traffic after noticing the water increasing in volume. He advised travelers to access Kampala or Kyankwanzi through Masindi.
Jackson Atuhaire, a driver on the Hoima-Kampala Road, said driving through running water is risky as the vehicle can be carried away. He said that going through Masindi is far and would lead to a hike in transport fares. Transport from Hoima-Kampala is Shillings 20,000. Accessing Kampala through Masindi is a distance of about 200 kilometers, an extra 70 kilometers for direct travelers.
Pupils crossing from the Kyankwanzi to Katereiga Parents Primary School in Hoima are no longer attending classes because they cannot cross the flooded bridge.
“We are worried our children are starting Primary Leaving Examinations on Wednesday but the water is too much and they can’t access the school in Hoima, even briefing today they will miss because they don’t have where to pass,” said Gloria Atuku, a resident of Kyankwanzi.
Allan Ssempebwa, the UNRA spokesperson, said that River Kafu has burst its banks at Karongo Village, Kikonda Parish, 19.8 km from Hoima Town, affecting connectivity and travel from Hoima to Kampala via Kiboga.
“Motorists from Kampala to Hoima are advised to use Hoima – Masindi – Kafu-Luwero – Kampala route or the Hoima – Buhimba – Nalweyo- Kakumiro- Mubende – Kampala route,” Ssempebwa said.
He said that light vehicles en route from Kampala can opt for the Masode – Ntwetwe -Nkooko – Nalweyo – Hoima road to complete their journey.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys carefully and avoid the flooded areas.
