The Uganda National Roads Authority has set up a temporary pedestrian bridge at River Katonga to ensure safe passage for pilgrims.
Allan Ssempebwa, the UNRA media relations manager said the temporary provision is strictly for pilgrims from Masaka to Kampala.
He says the pedestrian crossing will also be available on their return journey after Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3.
“Our team on site has set up a temporary pedestrian crossing at Katonga ensuring safe passage for pilgrims. The provision is to only pilgrims heading from Masaka direction to Kampala,” he said
The first set of pilgrims on Thursday morning safely and successfully crossed Katonga bridge using the temporary pedestrian crossing
Pilgrims from western Uganda districts have since been left stranded in Kalungu following the collapse of River Katonga bridge on the Kampala-Masaka highway.
UNRA Contracted a Chinese company [CCCC] to work on emergency restoration works at Katonga which is estimated to be complete between 2-3 weeks from commencement of works.
The works involve building gabion walls and embankments at the damaged bridge approach and installing guard rails to ensure safe traffic passage in the meantime.
At least 75 pilgrims from Kakoma parish in Isingiro district had since the start of the week been left stranded in Kalungu following the collapse of River Katonga Bridge on the Kampala-Masaka highway, after refusing to use the alternative route through Ssembabule-Mpigi road.
Addressing the group before crossing the bridge, the Assistant District Police Commander (DPC) Katonga region, Osele Jimrol, urged them to follow police guidelines for their safety.
Meanwhile, George Ssonko, the UNRA official in charge of Katonga region, warned motorists against using the bridge, stressing that it is only meant for foot pilgrims coming from the western region heading to Namugongo in Wakiso district for the June 3rd Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
UNRA officials say the temporary bridge will also be provided for the pilgrims after the celebrations, assuring motorists that rehabilitation works to restore the bridge will be done in less than three weeks.
