BREAKING: Namadope Bridge Collapse Cuts Off Iganga–Luuka Road, Traffic Paralyzed
IGANGA, Oct. 27, 2025 — Panic and disruption have gripped travelers and motorists after a section of the Namadope Bridge on the Iganga–Luuka Road collapsed on Monday morning, severing one of Busoga’s key transport links following torrential rains over the weekend.
According to Allan Ssempebwa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Works and Transport, the collapse was triggered by heavy rainfall that washed away the soil foundation and weakened the aging culverts beneath the bridge, causing the road to cave in and cutting off movement between the two districts.
“Motorists and the general public are advised to exercise caution, avoid the affected section, and follow alternative routes as guided by local authorities,” Ssempebwa said in a statement issued on Monday.
He added that the Iganga–Luuka Road had recently been handed over to Arab Contractors for upgrading to a higher standard, and the company has since been notified to mobilize emergency teams to undertake urgent restoration works aimed at reinstating traffic flow as soon as possible.
“As the Ministry of Works and Transport, we have informed Arab Contractors and asked for immediate intervention to ensure traffic flow gets back to normal as the main upgrading continues,” Ssempebwa emphasized.
Following the collapse, traffic has been redirected through Namakakale and Waibuga villages, a detour that stretches through Luuka and Mayuge districts. However, the alternative route is significantly longer, rougher, and more expensive for both motorists and public transport operators.
Local residents have expressed concern about the safety of other aging bridges in the region, calling on government agencies to prioritize infrastructure maintenance amid increasingly erratic rainfall.
Meanwhile, police and local authorities have cordoned off the affected area, warning the public against attempting to cross the damaged section. Restoration efforts are expected to begin immediately once equipment and materials are deployed by the contractor.
The Namadope Bridge is a crucial link connecting Iganga, Luuka, and parts of Mayuge District, serving thousands of commuters and goods vehicles daily. Its collapse has underscored the vulnerability of key rural infrastructure to extreme weather events.
