MBALE.
Devastating flash floods that swept through Mbale City and Sironko District have left three residents killed and hundreds displaced .
The floods triggered by the weeke
nd heavy down pour washed away bridges and cut off roads affecting transport in the area .
The most hit is the Kapchorwa–Mbale highway where Nalugugu Bridge in Sironko District was washed away leaving travelers stranded . The bridge, is a vital link between the Bugisu Sub-region and the neighbouring Sebei and Karamoja areas.By Monday evening long-haul trucks, buses, and lorries were seen parked on either side of the damaged section, halting traffic entirely.
The Nabuyonga Bridge on the Mbale–Soroti Road was also ruined by the floods , compounding the transportation crisis. In addition to infrastructure damage, the floods caused significant destruction to homes and farmlands.
Several households along rivers were damaged, and residents displaced. Nabuyonga River burst its banks, leading to the deaths of two individuals: Shedrack Wabule Mudulo, a Primary Seven teacher at Kasanvu Islamic Education Centre, and an unidentified teenage boy. Both victims were swept away while attempting to cross the bridge.
According to Mr Saifiyi Zakaliya, the chairperson of Lumumba Cell, numerous households have been displaced. “We appeal to the government to come to our rescue because many of the displaced are now homeless,” he said.
Mr Allan Wonabwa, the Sironko deputy resident district commissioner , confirmed that one person died after being swept away in Nalugugu Parish, Bukise Sub-county. He said traffic police personnel have been deployed to the area, with only motorcycles and light vehicles permitted to cross.
“The structure is compromised and unsafe for heavy vehicles. We are working with law enforcement to prevent further accidents,” he stated.
Flooding also destroyed smaller bridges and submerged plantations in Bukise Sub-county, Sironko Town Council, and Mutufu Town Council. Taxi operator Ali Mwambu reported that only boda bodas and a few small vehicles were able to squeeze through makeshift paths that remained passable.