Transport Fares To Masaka Increase Following Collapse Of Katonga Bridge
The transport fees to Masaka and surrounding areas have been increased due to the collapse of section of Katonga Bridge along Masaka-Kampala highway.
Passengers are paying a high price for the detour as drivers raised transportation costs along the alternate route, which spans roughly 190 kilometers between Masaka and Mpigi districts. The fee has seen an increase by about SHS. 5000 to 10,000.
Following the directive from the Uganda National Roads Authorty (UNRA) motorists were advised to use the alternative route of Mpigi-Kanoni through Sembabule-Villa Maria to Masaka. This was as a result of submerging of the Katanga bridge due to increased water volumes and pressure from the various tributaries that flow into the river’s main course as it advances to Lake Victoria.
As of today, 14th May, 2023, the transport sector especially motorists heading to Masaka continue to speak on how the collapse of the Katonga bridge four days ago has affected them.
It has been noted that the transport charge has increased by about shs. 5000 – 10,000.
Most of the motorists complained that they are registering losses because the customers have been misinformed by some media houses.
Motorists pledge for government to speed up the repair of the bridge so that everything goes back to normal.
Motorists have resorted to using the Mpigi-Kabasanda-Kibibi-Gombe road then Sembabule-Bukomansimbi - Butenga before joining the main road around Nyendo in Masaka, which they say is longer by 70 miles.
On Thursday, the water levels of River Katonga increased considerably, before it submerged a section of the highway and the bridge, making it risky for both motorists and pedestrians to cross to either side of the Kampala-Masaka highway in Mpigi district.
Mary Prima Awor
