A taxi carrying passengers from Arua City to Lira City plunged into a flooded tributary of the River Nile near Tangi, close to the Nile Bridge in Pakwach, earlier this morning. The incident occurred after the river burst its banks, disrupting connectivity in the region, which serves as a vital gateway to West Nile, South Sudan, and DR Congo.
Eyewitness Osbert Unyuthuwun reported that joint rescue efforts involving the UPDF Marines, Police, and local fishermen are underway to save passengers stranded in the swollen river. Four people have so far been rescued alive, with three others, including a child, being brought to safety by the Marines using an engine-powered boat.
“I can see from a distance two women and a child rescued,” said Unyuthuwun. He noted that the strong water currents were making rescue operations more challenging than in previous floods. The exact number of passengers in the taxi remains unclear at this time. Meanwhile, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) issued a notice on X (formerly Twitter) at 2 PM, alerting the public to severe flooding at Tangi Junction along the Olwiyo-Pakwach road, adjacent to the Pakwach Bridge.
This has disrupted travel between Arua and Gulu as well as Gulu and Kampala. UNRA announced that water levels remain high and that teams are monitoring the situation, with interventions planned once the levels recede. Travelers were advised to use alternative routes. Those traveling from Kampala to West Nile can use the Paraa-Kisanja Park Junction road.
Motorists heading to West Nile from Gulu should take the Atiak-Adjumani route and cross using the Laropi Ferry to Moyo. Travelers to Gulu, Lira, Kitgum, and beyond are encouraged to use the Masindi Port Ferry via Rwenkunye off the Kampala-Gulu highway. UNRA assured travelers that updates would be provided as the situation evolves-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
