Local leaders from the Lango sub-region have expressed frustration over the delays in the Karuma Bridge rehabilitation project, saying the Ministry of Works and Transport has neglected critical issues that have caused ongoing disruptions to trade and travel.

The concerns come as the ministry temporarily closes the bridge for the installation of expansion joints, a critical phase of the project that had been delayed for months.

Karuma’s closure, which began on Monday, March 24, 2025, is expected to last at least three weeks and marks the final phase of planned rehabilitation works on the 61-year-old bridge that connects Kampala to northern Uganda through the Gulu-Kampala highway.

Geofrey Ogwal Adyebo, the chairperson of Kwania District, appealed to the government to prepare support measures for affected communities.

“This is the only route that connects northern Uganda to Kampala. The government must ensure that the Rwekunye-Apach ferry is fully operational to facilitate the movement of people and goods,” Ogwal said.

Kennedy Odongo, the chairperson of Alebtong District, urged the ministry to adhere to the project timeline. He noted that any delay directly affected their economy and that long alternative routes increased transport expenses, especially for traders, and that these disruptions impacted livelihoods.

The leaders emphasized the need for proactive planning to reduce the economic impact of the closure and called on the government to enhance logistical support until the bridge is fully reopened.

Allan Sempebwa, the communications officer at the ministry, during a media briefing today confirmed the new closure.

He stated, “We are now executing that closure like we had said. We are only left with the expansion joints, which have since arrived in the country. Now the works are going to start.”

Sempebwa added that the ministry had only paused the repairs during the festive season to ease movement for holiday travelers.

“We assure the public that we shall expedite the job, secure motorists, and finalize the rehabilitation works we began,” he said.

However, the temporary shutdown has raised concern among leaders in the region who fear it may disrupt trade and access to services.

The ministry has however, assured the public that ferries at Masindi Port have been fully repaired, tested, and will be operational starting the same day as the closure. These ferries are expected to offer a viable alternative for motorists and transporters.

Karuma Bridge, a vital transport corridor for West Nile, Lango, Acholi, and other sub-regions, was reopened in December 2024 after undergoing three months of rehabilitation. Although the bridge deck and bearings were replaced, the expansion joints, which are a critical structural component, were not installed at the time.