Bwindi key road restored as UWA clears landslide debris
For now, access to Uganda’s iconic gorilla habitats has been fully restored, ensuring that one of the world’s most sought-after wildlife experiences remains within easy reach.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Ministry of Works and Transport responded swiftly, deploying teams to clear the debris and stabilise the affected terrain.
There is relief among travellers and tourism operators following the clearance of a landslide debris that had blocked a key access road to Uganda’s mountain gorilla tracking areas.
The affected section at Hakikona, between Rushaga and Rubuguri, had been rendered impassable after earth slid onto the road, disrupting movement to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - home to the country’s prized mountain gorillas.
BINP holds nearly 459 mountain gorillas, roughly half of the world's population.
The blockage raised concern among tour operators and visitors, particularly at a time when Uganda is strengthening its position as a premier destination for high-value tourism.
At the height of the disruption, tourists heading to Rushaga were advised to use the Muko–Rushaga route via Nyanamo, while those travelling to Nkuringo were redirected through the Kisoro–Rubuguri road via Lake Mutanda.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Ministry of Works and Transport responded swiftly, deploying teams to clear the debris and stabilise the affected terrain. Their intervention has since restored normal traffic flow, allowing vehicles to pass safely and easing access to the gorilla tracking points.
Bashir Hangi, the UWA Head of Communication and Public Relations, confirmed that "Traffic flow has now been fully restored". In a post on social media, he also shared a photo of the Works team in the Rushaga-Bwindi area.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the prompt action, emphasising the importance of reliable infrastructure in sustaining Uganda’s tourism sector. Gorilla tracking remains one of the country’s leading attractions, drawing visitors from across the globe and contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
“This route is vital not just for tourists but also for local communities who depend on tourism for their livelihoods,” said Bashir Hangi, noting that even short disruptions can have immediate economic consequences.
A tour guide and driver, Noel Bayo, says monitoring of the area needs to continue, especially during the rainy season when landslides are more likely.
For now, access to Uganda’s iconic gorilla habitats has been fully restored, ensuring that one of the world’s most sought-after wildlife experiences remains within easy reach.