Fear as Masindi bridge becomes a death trap
“So far, three children have been rescued from drowning just this year. Our lives are in danger, and we are pleading for government support,” Adoi said.
Masindi: Residents of Kalyango Cell, Kapeeka I and II in Karujubu Division, and Kabango Town Council are raising the alarm over the dilapidated state of Kasokwa Bridge, which connects Karujubu in Masindi Municipality to Kabango Town Council in Bujenje County.
The bridge has been in a state of disrepair for over 17 years, posing serious risks to residents and severely affecting access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and trade.
Peter Lonjiima, a concerned resident, highlighted how the poor condition of the bridge particularly affects school-going children:
“Our children are missing school, especially during the rainy season, because the heavy rains wash away the logs we place to cross the river. We are appealing for government intervention,” he said.
Lucy Adoi, another resident, stressed the danger the bridge poses to the community, revealing that several children have narrowly escaped drowning while attempting to cross.
“So far, three children have been rescued from drowning just this year. Our lives are in danger, and we are pleading for government support,” Adoi said.
Neema Vumuliya added that the community struggles to access markets and health centers, with pregnant women and the sick often left stranded.
According to Sapline Balyebuga, the LC3 Chairperson of Kabango Town Council, efforts have been made to engage Masindi District leadership on the issue, but the district cited lack of funding.
“The town council also lacks the resources to construct the bridge. This is affecting service delivery for schoolchildren, businesspeople, and pregnant mothers seeking medical attention at Kinyara and Masindi health facilities,” Balyebuga explained.
In a temporary attempt to address the crisis, residents together with local leaders on Monday installed makeshift logs across the river to aid movement.
Patrick Paddy Kasumba, the former area Member of Parliament and a candidate in the 2026 elections, revealed that he had previously lobbied for the bridge’s construction.
However, implementation was derailed by the outbreak of COVID-19 and his loss in the 2021 elections. “Due to public outcry, I’ve decided to fund the placement of temporary logs at the bridge to support the community,” Kasumba said.
He added that the temporary structure cost about UGX 2 million.
Residents continue to appeal to the government and development partners to prioritize the reconstruction of the Kasokwa Bridge, which they say is not just a transportation route, but a lifeline for their children, businesses, and general wellbeing.
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