The collapse of River Mucha Bridge has rendered the road connecting Kisoro to the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park impassable, prompting authorities to advise motorists and tourists to use an alternative route.
The Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Wildlife Authority announced the closure, saying the bridge, which connects Bukimbiri County to Bufumbira County, had sunk or collapsed and could no longer be crossed by vehicles.
Travellers heading to the two gorilla-tracking destinations have been advised to use the alternative route from Kisoro through Karengyere, Nyanamo, Rubuguri, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
The Ministry of Works and Transport said the diversion is a motorable murram road but warned that journey times could increase by between 30 and 45 minutes.
Drivers have been urged to exercise caution, particularly during rainy conditions, and to set off early to minimise delays.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority also advised tourists departing from Kisoro to allow extra travel time to avoid arriving late for briefing ahead of gorilla-tracking activities.
The Ministry said its technical team had begun an emergency intervention to address the situation.
The closure affects access to the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, which are among the destinations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for visitors participating in mountain gorilla-tracking activities.
Authorities have apologised for the inconvenience and advised road users to follow the diversion until further notice.
