news 10 October 2026 Nile Post
River Mucha Bridge Collapse Halts Access to Bwindi's Key Tourist Sectors
The collapse of the River Mucha Bridge in Kisoro has severed a vital link to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park's Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Motorists and tourists are now forced onto a longer, alternative route, highlighting ongoing concerns about the region's weather-vulnerable road infrastructure. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/376968/river-mucha-bridge-collapse-disrupts-access-to-bwindi-in-kisoro
A critical bridge connecting Kisoro town to the popular Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has collapsed, significantly disrupting travel for tourists and locals. The River Mucha Bridge’s failure has rendered the direct route impassable, prompting the Ministry of Works and Transport to issue an advisory.
Travellers heading to these prime gorilla-tracking destinations are now directed to use an alternative, albeit longer, route via Kisoro–Karengyere–Nyanamo–Rubuguri–Rushaga–Nkuringo. This diversion, a motorable murram road, is expected to add an estimated 30 to 45 minutes to journey times. The Ministry has cautioned drivers to proceed with care, especially during rainy periods, and to start their trips early to mitigate delays.
The collapse reignites long-standing concerns about the fragility of Kisoro’s road network, a district frequently impacted by heavy rains, leading to floods, mudslides, and bridge damage. This recurring issue impedes transportation for residents, farmers, businesses, and the vital tourism industry.
Similar incidents have plagued the region, including the March 2026 paralysis of the Kisoro–Rubuguri tourism road due to floods and mudslides, and earlier flash floods in February 2026 that damaged roads and bridges around Nyarusiza and Muramba sub-counties. These events underscore the challenges of maintaining reliable transport links in the mountainous terrain, especially with ongoing delays in larger infrastructure projects like the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi–Kisoro–Mgahinga road upgrade.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has deployed a technical team to address the immediate emergency at River Mucha Bridge. However, the repeated infrastructure failures point to a need for more robust, long-term solutions to enhance drainage and fortify crossings against harsh weather. The disruption affects not only visitor access to Bwindi but also the economic activities and livelihoods of local communities dependent on these transport routes.
https://nilepost.co.ug/news/376968/river-mucha-bridge-collapse-disrupts-access-to-bwindi-in-kisoro