After the Mpondwe bridge which is the lifeblood of bilateral trade between Uganda and DR Congo caved in on Saturday, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has started all the necessary works to have operations at the border crossing restored.

Selevesta Mapoze, the Mpondwe Lhubiriha town council LCIII chairperson, confirmed the development shortly after a visit to the scene on Monday, December 4.

Mapoze said that he is very hopeful that in three days, heavy trucks will be able to use the rehabilitated alternative bridge so that merchandise to and from DR. Congo can easily cross over as endless efforts continue to have the curved in bridge restored.

"I am so optimistic, in three days heavy trucks will be crossing," Mapoze said.

He also applauded UNRA for such a quick response to the untimely incident, to keep business flowing at the border, as well as minimising the heavy traffic jams.

"Soon the traffic jam will be no more," he said.

However, Moses Mugisa the Mpondwe Lhubiriha town clerk, said that the disruption of the movement of heavy trucks carrying merchandise to and from DR Congo has brought business at the border to a standstill, affecting the business community.

He added that as the town council, they are worried about losing out on more revenue should the problem not be solved at an appropriate time since the community at the border entirely depends on trade.

RDC speaks out

Lt Maate Magwara, the Deputy RDC in charge of Bukonzo County, noted that the Mpondwe Lhubiriha border is one of Uganda’s busiest borders, adding that they couldn't allow business to be disrupted for a long time.

He, however, appealed to the wrong elements that have for long vandalised and failed government installations, to be patriotic because the same infrastructure helps them or their relatives.

Magwara added that who whoever will be found to be engaging in the vice will face the full extent of the law.