Bridge Collapse Cuts Off Key Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Route

What the report says

River Mucha Bridge on the Kisoro-Bukimbiri road in southwestern Uganda has collapsed, cutting off direct access to the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. According to Nile Post, the failure has forced motorists and tourists onto a longer diversion while authorities assess the damage and look for a more durable fix.

The bridge links Kisoro Municipality and Bukimbiri County and reportedly gave way while a Fuso truck carrying charcoal was crossing. Local residents told the outlet the structure had shown cracks beforehand. They also suspect heavy truck traffic hauling sand and murram may have contributed, although the cause has not been officially confirmed.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has issued a travel advisory and temporarily closed the bridge, directing visitors to use the Kisoro-Karengyere-Nyanamo-Rubuguri-Rushaga-Nkuringo route. UWA said the alternative road is usable but urged caution, especially in rainy weather. The detour is expected to add about 30 to 45 minutes to travel time, and tourists were advised to depart Kisoro early to avoid missing gorilla trekking briefings.

The disruption has affected residents, businesses and tourism operators, with some vehicles reportedly left parked as companies adjusted plans. Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Veterans Affairs Grace Akifeza Ngabirano said she had contacted the Ministry of Works and Transport and district officials about urgent intervention. The incident matters because the road is a key access point for Bwindi, a major destination for gorilla tourism and related community livelihoods.