Kisoro district councillors have blamed divisions among area MPs for delays in repairing Mucha Bridge, warning that its damage is disrupting access to healthcare, tourism sites and markets, particularly for residents of Nyundo Sub-county.
Members of the Kisoro District Social Services Sectoral Committee have criticised area Members of Parliament over delays in securing repairs for the damaged Mucha Bridge, saying the disruption is affecting healthcare access, tourism and economic activities.
The concerns were raised during a monitoring visit to the bridge in Nyundo Sub-county, where councillors called for urgent intervention to restore the crossing.
Baker Niyigaba, the district councillor representing persons with disabilities, said the bridge links Kisoro to Bukimbiri County, tourism sites and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), making it an important route for the movement of people and goods.
He said the damage had made crossing the river difficult for residents, including pregnant women seeking medical attention, while exposing travellers to security risks.
Emmanuel Ntabanuye, the councillor for Kanaba Sub-county, warned that movement would become even more difficult during the rainy season.
“I want to call on the district engineer and area MPs to prioritise restoration of the bridge,” Ntabanuye said.
Benadeti Musimenta, the councillor for Nyundo Sub-county, urged the Kisoro District Woman MP to intensify efforts to secure funding for the repairs, saying women from surrounding villages were struggling to access health facilities.
Winfred Komukama, the female councillor representing Nkuringo Town Council and Nyabwishenya Sub-county, called on district leaders to work together to support residents who depend on the bridge for transport and their livelihoods.
Densi Habyara Turyatunga, the chairperson of the Social Services Sectoral Committee and councillor for Nyundo Sub-county, attributed delays in development projects to divisions among area MPs.
“Disagreements among legislators is undermining collective lobbying for projects and resources for Kisoro, with some opportunities going to other districts. Our leaders should use the Mucha Bridge crisis to demonstrate commitment by lobbying the Ministry of Works and Transport for urgent intervention,” Turyatunga said.
He added that restoring the bridge would improve access to healthcare, support local businesses and boost tourism.
Meanwhile, Kisoro District Chief Administrative Officer John Nyakahuma advised motorists travelling to Bukimbiri County to use alternative routes as the district seeks assistance to repair the bridge.
“Repairing the bridge requires substantial funding beyond the district's capacity, necessits central government support,” Nyakahuma said.
The Mucha Bridge, located along the Kisoro–Bukimbiri road, serves residents, businesses and tourism operators who rely on the route for transport and access to services.