The Minister of Works and Transport, General Edward Katumba Wamala, has officially announced the complete closure of Karuma Bridge to all traffic, effective September 23, 2024, for a duration of three months to give room for repairs to take place uninterrupted.
This decision was announced by Gen Katamba on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, while addressing the press in the field at Karuma.
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He noted that this comes as part of the ongoing efforts to address structural issues that were identified earlier this year and that the contractor will start demolition of the concrete deck to allow major works for its restoration.
“The closure is necessary to facilitate repairs on a significant crack that was discovered in April. Following an assessment, the bridge was temporarily restricted to heavy vehicles at that time due to concerns over its structural integrity,” General Katamba said.
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He added that in order to undertake the necessary repairs, the government has contracted the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) alongside the China Seventh Railway Group.
“These organizations are tasked with ensuring the bridge is restored to safe operational standards,” he noted.
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He advised motorists traveling from Kampala to Gulu, West Nile, and from there to use Luwero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo.
Gen Katamba further advised motorists traveling to Lira to use Rwenkunye-Apac via the Masindi Port ferry, adding that alternatively, they can use Lira-Ignaga-Nakalama-Trinyi-Pallisa-Kumi-Soroti-Lira and vice versa.
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He noted that the government prioritizes the safety and longevity of this critical infrastructure. The minister added that further updates will be provided as the repair work progresses.
In April 2024, Karuma Bridge was temporarily closed to heavy vehicles after an assessment established defects on its structures. The government has since contracted National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and China Seventh Railway Group to repair the defects.
