HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Hundreds of travellers are reportedly stranded following the curving in of the Masaka–Kyotera–Mutukula highway. As a result, transport and commerce have been temporarily disrupted following a combination of ongoing construction works and severe weather damage that has rendered parts of the critical road impassable.
According to a press statement from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the temporary closure and traffic restrictions are primarily due to active rehabilitation works aimed at upgrading the highway to modern standards. The project includes widening sections of the ರಸ್ತೆ, strengthening pavement, and improving drainage systems to enhance connectivity between Uganda and Tanzania through the Mutukula One-Stop Border Post.
“The ongoing construction and rehabilitation works along the Masaka–Kyotera–Mutukula highway are necessary to improve the road’s capacity, safety, and efficiency as a key regional trade corridor. Motorists are advised to follow designated diversions and cooperate with traffic management teams on site,” the ministry said in its statement.
However, the situation has been worsened by the recent collapse of a section of the highway following days of heavy rainfall. Preliminary findings indicate that the overflow of River Katengo washed away part of the road, compounding the disruptions caused by the construction works.
Officials from the Ministry of Works explained that extreme weather conditions exposed vulnerabilities in some sections of the road, necessitating urgent repairs alongside the planned upgrades. “The heavy rains accelerated the deterioration of an already stressed section under construction. Our engineers are working around the clock to restore access while ensuring the long-term integrity of the highway,” one senior ministry engineer noted.
The damaged section, originally constructed by China International Construction Company, has left motorists stranded, with long queues of cargo trucks stretching through Kyotera town. The highway serves as a vital link for trade between Uganda and Tanzania, facilitating the movement of goods including agricultural produce.
Residents and traders have expressed frustration over the disruption, citing heavy losses due to delays. Perishable goods such as bananas, coffee, and livestock products risk spoilage as transport remains at a standstill.
Farmers from Kyotera, Rakai, and Isingiro districts say the closure has effectively cut them off from key markets. Abdul Ssewankambo, a local farmer, said the road is essential for their livelihoods, adding that the current situation has left many uncertain about how they will deliver their produce.
Authorities had initially directed traffic to alternative routes through Buyambi and Bikiira, but these roads quickly became overwhelmed and impassable, especially for heavy trucks. Floodwaters spreading into surrounding areas have further complicated access and worsened the disruption.
Another resident, Ronald Tamale, emphasized the broader economic impact, noting that the highway is a major artery for cross-border trade. “This is a critical route, and its closure is affecting businesses on both sides of the border. There is an urgent need to restore movement,” he said.
Despite the challenges, engineers are on-site working to repair the damaged հատված and accelerate construction works. The Ministry of Works maintains that the temporary inconvenience is necessary to deliver a more durable and efficient road capable of withstanding future weather extremes.
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