The collapse, according to the Police, precipitated a cascade of traffic snarls along the Busega-Kyengera route, prompting swift action from law enforcement and road management agencies.
In response, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) have urged motorists to explore alternative routes, including Nakawuka road to Buddo junction or the Kitemu and Mityana road to Buloba-Nsangi, in a bid to alleviate congestion and ensure safe passage.
UNRA officials, led by spokesperson Michael Kananura, emphasized the necessity for public cooperation and patience as teams from Traffic Police and UNRA converge to assess the extent of the damage.
"We thus appeal to the public to exercise the utmost discipline and patience as the teams from Traffic Police and UNRA assess the damage," remarked SP Michael Kananura, the traffic and road safety public relations officer.
Furthermore, UNRA advised motorists traversing the affected area to exercise caution, highlighting ongoing monitoring efforts to mitigate potential risks.
"We are monitoring a situation of road damage at Kyengera, around the Hass Petrol Station area. We urge road users to exercise caution while approaching this section as our teams move in to undertake the necessary safety measures," stated a UNRA representative.
The recurrence of sinkage woes along the Kampala-Masaka highway underscores broader concerns regarding infrastructure resilience in the face of natural adversities.
Notably, the previous incident in December 2023, which also occurred at the Busega-Kyengera section, was attributed to erosion exacerbated by rising water levels within the Lubigi swamp area, leading to substantial damage to the road pavement.
Traffic Update
— SPARK TV (@sparktvuganda) April 22, 2024
We're currently at Kyengera, where a section of the Kampala-Masaka road has caved in. There are road diversions at Busega and Buddo roads. #SparkKumakya pic.twitter.com/bC4ESrWIbV