Collapsed bridge worsens flood impact in Bududa district
Local leaders and residents have repeatedly appealed for urgent support to restore the bridge.
The bridge, which collapsed eight months ago, was a vital link between Manafwa and Bududa districts. (Courtesy photos/URCS)
By John Odyek
Journalists @New Vision
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The collapse of the Buwangani–Bududa Corner main bridge has worsened the impact of flooding in Bududa district.
On Saturday, September 13, 2025, at around 12:15 pm, heavy rains caused River Tsutsu to overflow, disrupting normal activities in Bududa Corner (Buwangani town council).
Transport and local businesses were paralysed for over five hours, according to officials from the Uganda Red Cross Society.
The bridge, which collapsed eight months ago, was a vital link between Manafwa and Bududa districts. Its absence has left residents with few access options.
A temporary footbridge provides passage but becomes dangerous during heavy rain, while the only motorable detour adds more than five kilometres to the journey to Bududa town.
Local leaders and residents have repeatedly appealed for urgent support to restore the bridge.
The Uganda Red Cross Society continues to assist affected families and carry out risk assessments in flood- and landslide-prone areas, especially with the ongoing heavy rains.
Irene Nakasiita, the director of communications, resource mobilisation and partnerships at the Uganda Red Cross Society, said on Sunday, September 14, 2025, that no loss of life had been reported following the flood in Bududa District.
Nakasiita added that the persistent heavy rainfall across Bududa, Manafwa and Namisindwa districts increases the risk of landslides and flash floods in vulnerable communities. Uganda Red Cross teams remain on the ground, monitoring the situation and offering support.
"We remain on the ground and committed to providing timely updates as the situation develops," said Patrick Omukama Kutosi, the branch manager for the Uganda Red Cross Society in bududa district.