River Mayanja, which separates Gombe Division in Nansana Municipality from Mende in Kakiri Sub-county, overflowed following heavy overnight rainfall, submerging the road and making it impassable for motorists and pedestrians travelling between the two areas.
Residents of Mende in Wakiso District have appealed to the Ministry of Works and Transport to urgently reconstruct the road crossing River Mayanja after heavy rains caused the river to burst its banks, destroying property, disrupting transport and leaving several motorists stranded.
The flooding, which residents say is the third major incident at the crossing, has renewed concerns about the safety of road users, particularly schoolchildren preparing to sit their national examinations.
River Mayanja, which separates Gombe Division in Nansana Municipality from Mende in Kakiri Sub-county, overflowed following heavy overnight rainfall, submerging the road and making it impassable for motorists and pedestrians travelling between the two areas.
Several vehicles, including heavy trucks, were left stranded as floodwaters spread across the road, bringing transport and business activities to a standstill.
Residents attributed the recurring flooding to inadequate drainage infrastructure, particularly the small culverts installed beneath the road, which they say cannot accommodate the volume of water during heavy rainfall.
“The culverts installed here are too small to handle the water, especially during the rainy season. Whenever it rains heavily, the river overflows and the road becomes impassable. We are appealing to the Ministry of Works and Transport to urgently intervene before lives are lost,” residents said.
The floods also destroyed crops, damaged houses and swept away household property, including motorcycles, leaving affected families counting their losses.
One resident, Musa Kizitu, said his property had been spared despite the severity of the flooding.
Kizitu also said a woman and a child who were swept away by the strong currents had been rescued alive.
“We thank God that no life has been lost. The water was extremely strong, and at one point, a woman and a child were swept away. Fortunately, they were rescued alive,” Kizitu said.
Residents are demanding the immediate reconstruction of the crossing, including the installation of larger, stronger culverts capable of handling the floodwaters.
They warn that without a permanent engineering solution, the area will continue to experience flooding, particularly as the rainy season intensifies.
“We cannot continue living like this every rainy season. This is the third time the river has flooded and destroyed people's property. Government should construct a proper crossing with bigger culverts to allow water to flow freely,” another resident said.
Meanwhile, the Officer in Charge of Police in the area, Fred Kikaawa, visited the affected crossing to assess the damage and establish the extent of the flooding.
Kikaawa sympathised with residents whose property had been destroyed.
Local leaders also expressed concern about the disruption, particularly the potential impact on schoolchildren who use the road to access their schools.
They said the flooding had occurred at a critical time, with many learners preparing to sit their national examinations.
“This road is used by many schoolchildren, traders and other residents. It is unfortunate that the river has flooded at a time when learners are preparing for examinations. We are going to raise this matter with the district authorities so that urgent action can be taken,” local leaders said.
The leaders pledged to engage Wakiso District authorities and relevant government agencies to secure a lasting solution to the recurring flooding.
Residents fear that continued rainfall could worsen the situation, cause further property damage and cut off communities that depend on the crossing for transport, trade and access to essential services.