Unra re-built Mbale bridge sinks in a week after opening

A reconstructed bridge along the Mbale-Busamaga road in Mbale city collapsed just a week after it was opened by the Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra).

The bridge was rebuilt in mid-December 2022 after it was destroyed by floods in August, which affected several roads in Mbale district, eastern Uganda. Hamdan Khaukha, the chairperson of Nabweya Cell in Mbale City Northern Division, says that the reconstructed bridge broke down last Friday, December 23.

“They officially announced to the people that, the construction of the bridge was done and people can start using it,” said Khaukha.

Loy Wamboga, a resident of Kilulu B in Busamaga ward, says that residents and the business community are unhappy with the development, which has affected the transportation of produce from Mbale’s food hub in Bukonde and Bufumbo to the market. 

“This bridge connects Mbale to most of the farming areas of the Bugisu sub-region including Wanale, Bukonde, and Bulambuli where most of the food product comes from,” she said.       

Abdallah Magambo, the Mbale City deputy speaker tasked Unra to explain why the bridge, which was constructed in Mid-December broke down a week after being commissioned. 

“It’s sad that the Unra that is supposed to supervise and put up good roads and bridges does shoddy work,” said Magambo.   

Mbale Unra station manager Tina Nakombe acknowledged the collapse of the new bridge, saying that they will fix it as soon as possible. 

“Our team is aware and they are going to work on it,” she told URN on the phone.