The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, has announced the complete closure of Karuma Bridge beginning September 23rd, 2024, to allow for significant repair work.
The closure, expected to last three months, was confirmed by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in a statement posted on their X (formerly Twitter) account on September 17th.
According to the statement, all traffic will be diverted during the repair period.
“The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Wamala, has announced the closure of Karuma Bridge to all traffic starting Monday, September 23rd, 2024,” read part of the announcement.
The repair works, led by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and China Seventh Railway Group, will focus on demolishing the current concrete deck to restore the bridge.
This comes after the bridge was temporarily closed to heavy vehicles earlier this year following the discovery of structural defects during an assessment.
Minister of State for Works and Transport, Musa Ecweru, had previously indicated that a full closure of the bridge would be necessary to carry out extensive restoration efforts. The repairs are aimed at ensuring the safety and durability of the critical structure, which serves as a major transportation link in the country.
Motorists and commuters are advised to seek alternative routes while the work is ongoing
Alternative Routes:
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
3.Motorists to Lira can also use Iganga—Nakalama —Tirinyi—Pallisa—Kumi—Soroti—Lira and vi
Whilst for the first session of the regional Parliamentary sitting in Gulu city recently, MPs majorly from northern raised concerns about delayed work on the bridge.
However state minister Ecweru informed parliament work is already ongoing beneath the bridge.
Works ministry say shs 7.9 billion is needed for the repair works.
The ongoing work on the bridge amongst others include restoring the bridge’s strength and longevity by re-fitting and strengthening the steel structures to prevent corrosion.
Karuma bridge was constructed in 1963.
