The Minister of Works and Transport, General Edward Katumba Wamala, has announced the closure of Karuma Bridge to all traffic starting Monday, September 23, 2024.
He noted that the contractor National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and China Seventh Railway Group will immediately start the demolition of the concrete deck to allow major works for its restoration, an exercise expected to last three months.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has also announced alternative routes for motorists.
Motorists from Kampala heading to Gulu/West Nile are advised to use Luwero—Kafu—Masindi—Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo and vice versa from motorists from Gulu/West Nile.
Motorists to Lira can use the Rwenkunye—Apac route via Masindi Port Ferry, whole Motorists to Lira can also use Iganga—Nakalama —Tirinyi—Pallisa—Kumi—Soroti—Lira and vice versa.
Karuma Bridge was temporarily closed to heavy vehicles in April this year, after an assessment established defects on its structures.
According to the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Musa Ecweru, the government has so far mobilized 6.8 billion shillings out of the 7.9 billion shillings earmarked to facilitate the repair works on the bridge.
He also revealed the government is working round the clock to construct a new bridge over River Nile with funding from Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA).
According to the committee, the bridge’s continuous closure is a total hindrance to the development of Northern Uganda since it’s a strategic route connecting Midwestern, Northern Uganda, and West Nile Sub regions.