The government is set to construct a new bridge at Karuma along the Gulu-Westnile Highway.

While appearing before Parliament, Hon. Tony Awany, Member of Parliament for Nwoya County, revealed that the construction of a new bridge at Karuma is expected to start in September 2026, following the closure of Karuma Bridge in April 2024, in order to undertake repair works to salvage the cracks that had developed after being in use for over 62 years, despite the initial lifespan of 50 years at the time of its construction in 1962.

He said this on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, while presenting a report on the status of transport infrastructure in Northern Uganda during the first regional Parliamentary sitting in Gulu.

In addition, he recommended that UNRA expedite the completion of necessary processes, including feasibility studies, designs, acquisition of land, and sourcing of funding, in order to ensure that construction of a new bridge at Karuma can commence as planned in September 2026.

Karuma Falls is one of the most stunning attractions for the visitors that visit Murchison Falls National Park. Karuma Falls has a name derived from the Luo local language, meaning Great Spirit. The local people believe it is the spirit that positioned the rocks on which the water hits to form the white waters of Karuma Falls.

Karuma Falls is found along the Kampala-Gulu highway at the point where the road crosses the River Nile. The falls stretch on an area of approximately 97 kilometers by road, north east of Masindi town.