“The diversion is a motorable murram road,” the ministry said, urging motorists to drive carefully, particularly during rainy conditions, and to set off early to avoid delays.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has temporarily closed River Mucha Bridge in Kisoro District following its collapse, directing motorists heading to Rushaga and Nkuringo to use an alternative route through Karengyere, Nyanamo and Rubuguri.
The bridge is impassable to all traffic, disrupting transport between Kisoro town and Bukimbiri County and leaving tourists and other motorists stranded.
In a public notice, the ministry advised travellers to use the diversion route: Kisoro–Karengyere–Nyanamo–Rubuguri–Rushaga–Nkuringo, warning that the journey could take between 30 and 45 minutes longer than usual.
“The diversion is a motorable murram road,” the ministry said, urging motorists to drive carefully, particularly during rainy conditions, and to set off early to avoid delays.
The ministry added that its technical team was planning emergency interventions to restore access across the river.
The collapse occurred near Mucha Bistro, between Musezero and Kiraro villages.
Tourists whose vehicles became stranded along the route are among those affected by the disruption, which has also inconvenienced residents and other travellers who depend on the road to access Kisoro town.
Following the collapse, some motorcyclists and pedestrians have resorted to crossing through the river, exposing themselves to potential danger.
Residents have called for urgent government intervention to restore the bridge, saying the disruption has affected movement and access to essential services.
Some residents also reported that the bridge had developed cracks before the collapse, raising concerns about its condition before the incident.
The ministry has cautioned motorists using the alternative route to exercise extra care, especially when travelling in wet weather, as the diversion is an unpaved murram road.
The emergency interventions are expected to focus on restoring access, although the ministry has not indicated when the bridge will be reopened.
