Karuma bridge, vital link to Northern Uganda closed

Kampala September 17—Karuma Bridge, a vital link to northern Uganda, West Nile, and neighbouring countries has been closed to all traffic for the next three months.

Announcing the decision during an inspection tour of the progress on the repairs, the Minister of Works and Transport, General Edward Katumba Wamala, said that the closure will take effect from Monday 23rd September 2024.

He said this complete closure of the bridge is intended to facilitate extensive refurbishment, including the demolition of the concrete deck, to allow major works for its restoration.

 The works at the bridge are currently being undertaken by the Chinese firm, China Railway Seventh Group and National Enterprise Corporation (NEC).

Karuma bridge was temporarily closed in April this year after engineers found crucial components of the bridge like the bearings and the expansion joints had worn out and developed cracks.

Gen. Katumba Wamala the rehabilitation works will also see new safety features such as much stronger guard rails installed and the provision of better lighting at night.

He told Journalists that the decision to close the bridge is purely based on safety and urged Ugandans not to politicize it adding that there is already concerns about the economic impact of the bridge closure but leaving it open would even be more disadvantageous to the lives of the users.    

He advised motorists from Kampala heading to Gulu or West Nile to use the Luweero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa route through Murchison Falls National Park.

Similarly, those traveling to Lira are encouraged to use the Rwenkunye-Apac or Iganga-Nakalama-Tirinyi routes.

Gen. Katumba Wamala said that government has added another ferry at Masindi port to ease movements of vehicles through the Kiryandongo, Apac and Lira routes. The government targets the bridge will be open to traffic by the second week of December this year after the contractor has finished the works.

While the closure will cause short-term disruptions, the long-term benefits of a stronger and safer bridge are expected to be substantial, enhancing connectivity between key regions and supporting Uganda’s broader development objectives.

The closure of Karuma Bridge poses significant challenges for transport and commerce, especially as the bridge is a primary gateway for both personal and commercial vehicles.

The impact on trade and daily life, especially in northern Uganda, is likely to be substantial, with delays and disruptions expected.

Karuma bridge has however outlived its lifespan since its construction in 1962.