Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has allowed buses to use Katonga Bridge on the Kampala-Masaka highway.

UNRA embarked on an emergency reconstruction of the bridge in June after it collapsed on May 11, 2023, due to a fast-moving flood resulting from heavy rain.

Allan Ssempebwa, the UNRA spokesperson, said on Monday, September 4th, that buses and other vehicles not loading more than 30 tones are now allowed to use the bridge.

“Only this vehicle category [buses] has been added to the light vehicles previously permitted to cross at Katonga. Also important to note is that UNRA is working on the diversion that will take on all nature of traffic, and the contractor is on site,” said Ssempebwa.

He strongly cautioned all permitted traffic to follow the signage in place and all traffic guidelines established at a safe approach distance to the bridge.

“All permitted traffic is therefore strongly urged to follow the signage in place and all traffic guidelines established at a safe approach distance to the bridge,” added part of the notice.

The UNRA authority further said that the current works are in Phase II of the restoration works in Katonga (construction of the steel bridge), and completion will enable full restoration of the traffic at the Katonga section before permanent work can commence.