A bridge that was recently washed away in eastern Uganda
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Ministry of Works and Transport has warned travelers to exercise extreme caution as heavy rains continue to batter the country, damaging major roads and disrupting transport services.
In a public statement, the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, said the ongoing rains have led to “flooding, embankment failures, mudslides, and washouts on several sections of the national road network.”
According to the Ministry of Water and Environment’s Seasonal Rainfall Outlook for September to December 2025, Uganda is experiencing an intensified global weather phenomenon that has brought persistent heavy rainfall, with localised flash floods expected to continue in the coming weeks.
“The public is therefore urged to plan their journeys carefully, exercise patience, and prioritise safety at all times,” Gen Katumba Wamala advised.
Government Response
The minister noted that government agencies are fully mobilised to respond to the damage. Construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance units have been deployed across the country, working closely with district and urban authorities to repair washed-out sections and restore full connectivity.
Among the priority interventions are the clearing of landslides along the Rubuguri–Katojo and Kapchorwa–Suam roads, and the restoration of the damaged section of the Karuma–Kamdini road — a critical transport corridor linking northern Uganda to Kampala.
Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala
“We are on the ground across the country, coordinating and executing emergency works to ensure roads are reopened as soon as possible,” Gen Katumba said, adding that the government’s mission remains “to promote adequate, safe and well-maintained works and transport infrastructure for socio-economic development.”
Public Safety Advisory
The Ministry also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against attempting to cross flooded sections of roads, warning that the water may conceal washed-away surfaces or unstable foundations. “Crossing flooded roads poses extreme danger. Drivers of heavy trucks and trailers must strictly follow diversion routes and traffic control instructions to prevent additional damage and ensure the safety of all road users,” the minister said.
In recent years, Uganda has recorded a surge in road crashes, often exacerbated by poor visibility, slippery surfaces, and reckless driving during rainy seasons. According to data from the Uganda Police Force, more than 4,800 people died in road accidents in 2024, many of them linked to speeding and unsafe road conditions.
The heavy rains have only worsened these risks, as sections of key highways, including Kampala–Masaka and Mbale–Kapchorwa, have become prone to flooding and erosion.
Long-term Measures
The Works ministry is undertaking technical monitoring of high-risk road corridors to identify vulnerable sections. “Plans are underway to strengthen embankments, improve drainage systems, and replace undersized culverts. The government also intends to raise the levels of low-lying roads in flood-prone areas.”
“In the medium and long term, Uganda is moving towards climate-resilient road designs that can withstand extreme weather events,” Gen Katumba explained. He cited ongoing works at Katonga, Lwera, and Kalandazi along the Kampala–Masaka Highway as examples of infrastructure adapted to changing climatic conditions.
