Kadaga Commissions Saaka Bridge, Paliisa & Kumi Town Roads to Boost Trade and Safety

Pallisa/Kumi –Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, has officially commissioned the Saaka Bridge and upgraded road networks in Pallisa and Kumi, on behalf of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The Saaka Bridge project, located along the Kaliro–Pallisa Road, has been completed 11 months ahead of schedule, showcasing effective project execution and commitment to timely delivery.

Funded entirely by the Government of Uganda, the bridge was constructed by Arab Contractors under a Design and Build scheme, through a contract signed on May 3, 2022. Construction began on July 15, 2022, with the original completion date set for January 15, 2025, but was successfully finalized by February 13, 2024.

The newly commissioned 64-meter Saaka Bridge spans the Saaka Swamp, which stretches for approximately 3.5 kilometres and includes 0.5 km of approach roads on either side. It links Namwiwa Sub-County (Kaliro District) and Kasodo Sub-County (Pallisa District), offering safer passage over River Mpologoma, whose basin is part of the Mt. Elgon catchment area and drains into Lake Kyoga.

“Have just commissioned the Kumi and Pallisa Town roads, now heading to Saka Bridge to Commission it as well,” said Rt. Hon. Kadaga, on her X platform, hailing the project as a game-changer for the people of Eastern Uganda.

The bridge and complementary road upgrades have transformed the region’s transport, business, and tourism potential. The development has sparked new business ventures, including the rise of hotels and lodges in Pallisa and Kumi, catering to increasing mobility and tourism.

The projects have created employment for locals who have benefited from job opportunities both during construction and in supporting industries; boosted tourism by improving access has supported the spur of tourism activities, with Pallisa and Kumi towns now more attractive to local and international visitors and improved security i.e street lighting installed along the new town roads has significantly enhanced security, allowing safer movement at night.

With smoother roads, vehicle operational costs have dropped, saving transporters and traders substantial expenses, the town upgrades have enhanced the beauty and livability of Pallisa and Kumi, boosting civic pride and investment interest while the bituminisation of roads has eliminated dust, a persistent problem that previously contributed to health issues and low quality of life.

Under the National Roads Development and Maintenance Programme (NRDMP), the town roads totalling 7.5 km in Pallisa and 12.2 km in Kumi were upgraded from gravel to bituminous standard. These roads link seamlessly into key national routes, including the Soroti-Mbale, Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi, and Pallisa-Kamonkoli roads, strengthening Uganda’s broader transport network.

The Saaka Bridge is expected to have a lifespan of 120 years, offering long-term benefits in agriculture and trade, particularly in the movement of groundnuts, rice, and livestock, which are key commodities in the region.

What was once a treacherous crossing—especially during rainy seasons when residents risked their lives using canoes—has now been replaced by modern, durable infrastructure, ushering in a new era of safety, opportunity, and prosperity for communities in Eastern Uganda.