New Kankoko Bridge Collapses Weeks After Commissioning

Heavy rains have destroyed Kankoko Bridge in Kanyashande Cell, Nyabirehe Parish, Kihembe Sub County in Kanungu District, just three weeks after it was commissioned, leaving residents and local leaders demanding urgent government intervention.

The bridge, constructed across Kankoko River at a cost of more than 40 million Ugandan shillings by Kanungu District Local Government, was intended to improve connectivity between Kihembe, Butogota, and Bwindi areas. However, its collapse has disrupted movement and raised concerns over the quality of the work.

Residents and local leaders have blamed the failure of the project on what they described as poor workmanship and the use of substandard materials. They have questioned the supervision of the project by the Kanungu District Superintendent of Works, Eng. January Silangi Mugaye, who oversaw its construction.

Kanyashande Cell LC1 Chairperson, Baker Kusingura, said the bridge is now in a sorry state, making it difficult for residents to access neighbouring areas, including Butogota and Bwindi. He called on relevant authorities to urgently intervene and restore the connection.

Kihembe Sub County LC3 Chairperson Denis Tumukunde accused district authorities of implementing the project without adequate consultation with local leaders and residents. He also raised concerns that the bridge was not constructed strongly enough to withstand the heavy water flow experienced during rainy seasons.

Kanungu District Councillor for Kihembe Sub County, Hon. Julius Tumugabirwe, warned that the damaged bridge poses a risk to residents and tourists travelling to Bwindi. He urged district authorities to restrict use of the bridge and the affected road section until safety measures are put in place.

Kanungu District Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Dr. Gad Rugaju Ahimbisibwe, acknowledged the concerns and attributed the collapse to poor workmanship by the district engineering team. He directed district engineers to take responsibility, recover the funds spent on the project, and engage a competent contractor to address the problem.

Dr. Rugaju further emphasized the importance of following proper procedures, including conducting ground-breaking ceremonies and involving communities during the implementation of government projects to ensure transparency and accountability.