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The Ugandan government, led by Prime Minister Nabbanja, has revealed plans to replace the aging Karuma Bridge. This announcement was made during a session in Parliament where Nabbanja emphasized the government’s prioritization of this infrastructure project, pending the completion of financing arrangements.
Nabbanja informed Members of Parliament (MPs) that discussions have been initiated with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) regarding potential collaboration in the replacement project. JICA has expressed interest in partnering and is currently engaged in the design phase, slated for completion in the financial year 2024/25, with construction expected to commence in 2025/26.
The decision to address the Karuma Bridge issue stems from its critical importance as a gateway to Northern Uganda, situated approximately 270 kilometers north of Kampala along the main Kampala-Gulu highway. Managed by the Ministry of Works and Transport, the bridge, constructed in 1964, has become inadequate to handle the growing traffic demands, leading to safety concerns and frequent accidents.
Responding to inquiries from MP Phionah Nyamutoro regarding the project’s status, Nabbanja reiterated the government’s commitment to replacing or upgrading the bridge. Plans are in motion to construct a modern bridge 500 meters downstream from the current structure, aiming to provide a more reliable connection between the northern and southern regions of Uganda.
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Recently, the bridge underwent temporary closure to allow for thorough inspections by technical consultants, assessing its condition and remaining lifespan. These evaluations will inform the engineering assessment being conducted by the Ministry of Works and Transport to determine short-term interventions while the replacement is underway.
Upon completion, the new bridge is expected to bolster key sectors such as tourism, culture, oil and gas, and industrialization, facilitating enhanced connectivity and economic development across the regions. The government anticipates receiving the assessment report by May 2024, guiding further actions regarding the Karuma Bridge replacement project.
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