The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has erected a second ferry at Masindi port to draw a transport ease to the northern region following a planned closure of Karuma Bridge.

According to Allan Ssempebwa, UNRA media relations manager, efforts have been put to erect a new second ferry to improve traffic management in northern Uganda and to prevent inconveniences caused by the closure of the Karuma bridge.

Ssempebwa assured the public that they purchased the required parts to form a new ferry that is strong and significantly larger than the first one and has been tested to capacity to handle transportation of humans and their belongings across the Lango sub-region.

’’This second ferry has been tested and approved by technocrats and is ready to begin its operation by Monday, September 23, 2024, with a carrying capacity of 64 passengers, a carrying capacity beyond the previous that crosses from Masindi port to the Lango sub-region within 10-15 minutes of travel,’’ said Ssempebwa.

He added that this ferry assembled at Masindi port is a provision of alternative for travellers crossing to areas of Moyo, Lira, and Gulu, among others, following a rehabilitation work scheduled for commencement on September 23, 2024, switching off the use of the Karuma bridge.

“Therefore, Ugandans from Kampala-Gulu highway are advised to branch off on their right at Rwenkunye to connect to Masindi port to enable technocrats work on a 61-year-old Karuma bridge that developed cracks,” he added.

Ugandans are advised to adhere to the traffic controls despite inconveniences caused to allow works at Karuma Bridge that the government aims to permanently improve the road network to boost the country’s economy.