Otuke District, Uganda – Travellers using the Alebtong–Otuke road are facing serious disruptions after floods submerged the Amonmaka bridge, which connects Alango Sub-county in Otuke to Abia Sub-county in Alebtong. The bridge has been impassable since the beginning of this week due to heavy rains and rising water levels.
As a result, commuters are being forced to pay between Shs 2,000 and Shs 15,000 to cross the flooded bridge using a small boat operated by a local resident, Bonny Okeng.
According to Okeng, the boat was donated by a livestock trader known as Olet, who operates in Abia. He said he began offering the boat service to help stranded travellers avoid taking a much longer detour that involves passing through Lira City and several sub-counties before reaching Otuke.
“We charge Shs 2,000 for each person, Shs 3,000 for bicycles, and between Shs 10,000 and Shs 15,000 for motorcycles depending on the weight of the luggage,” Okeng explained.
Many residents have welcomed the temporary solution, though it comes at a cost. One traveller noted that transport fares to Otuke have now doubled from Shs 10,000 to Shs 20,000 due to the need to use the alternative route through Lira City, Ngetta, Ogur, Barlonyo, Barjobi, and Adware.
Local leaders, however, have raised safety concerns about the situation.
Belmos Egaro, a councilor representing Alango Sub-county to the Otuke District Council, urged parents to caution their children against playing or walking near the flooded bridge.
“This is a dangerous situation. Children must be kept away from the bridge for their safety,” Egaro warned.
As residents wait for government intervention, many hope that the water levels will recede soon, allowing for repairs and safer travel.
