Following weeks of torrential rains, several bridges in Kapchorwa Municipality are on the verge of collapse, posing a daily safety risk to residents and road users.
The most affected include Chepsukurui–Porkland bridge in Central Division, a busy crossing commonly used by schoolchildren and traders; Entebbe bridge in East Division; and Cheptilial bridge in West Division.
Sections of the structures have been washed away, with deep gullies forming beneath them and severe erosion weakening the surrounding ground. In some areas, clogged drainage channels have worsened the situation, accelerating damage and making movement difficult for both pedestrians and motorists.
Joshua Sande, a boda boda rider who frequently uses the routes, described the situation as alarming.
“We risk every day crossing here, especially when it rains. The bridge is almost giving way, and we fear that one day a serious accident may happen,” Sande said.
Davis Maube, chairperson of Kabushe Cell in Central Division, said the damage has also created a security concern.
“This bridge has turned into a hiding place for thugs at night. They target pedestrians and motorists who are forced to slow down due to the poor state of the road,” Maube explained.
In West Division, Mary Chesakit, a resident of Kapenguria Cell, said the situation requires urgent intervention.
“The bridge is in a very bad condition. Our children and the elderly are at risk. Authorities must act quickly before lives are lost,” she said.
Emmanuel Labu, the LC III chairperson for East Division, said the matter has been raised with municipal authorities.
“We are aware of the condition of these bridges and have engaged the municipal leadership to prioritise their repair before the situation worsens,” Labu said.
Kapchorwa Municipal town clerk, Tony Ogwang, acknowledged the deteriorating state of the bridges, noting that plans are underway to address the problem.
“We have already initiated plans to repair some of the most affected bridges, and interventions will be implemented in phases depending on available resources,” Ogwang said.
Residents are now urging Kapchorwa Municipal authorities to expedite repairs and improve drainage systems to prevent further destruction and ensure community safety.
