Traffic has resumed on Karuma Bridge, the vital link to and from northern Uganda, after more than three months of closure for rehabilitation. The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) undertook the repairs following the discovery of faults in the bridge deck, expansion joints, and bearings.
The reopening ceremony on Friday morning was marked by jubilation. A group of Christians from the National Fellowship of Born Again Churches in Kiryandongo District gathered for prayers at the bridge. Shortly after, the first passenger bus, Larem, crossed the newly repaired bridge from Gulu to Kampala. The celebrations included traditional Acholi dancers and elated residents who expressed relief at the bridge's restoration.
State Minister for Works and Transport Musa Ecweru described the reopening as a significant milestone for Uganda, particularly for the people of Kiryandongo District and northern Uganda. He commended the government for expediting the repair works and acknowledged the resilience of the locals who endured increased transportation costs and stalled businesses during the closure.
Engineer Lawrence Pario, head of Bridges and Structures at UNRA, confirmed that 95% of the rehabilitation was completed. Key repairs included the bridge deck, replacement of 12 bearings, asphalt overlay, and installation of guard rails, lights, and parapet walls. However, four expansion joints essential for accommodating the bridge’s movement are still in transit from China and are expected to arrive by January 2025.
Local leaders voiced concerns over unfinished auxiliary works. Kilak South Legislator Gilbert Olanya emphasized the urgency of installing the expansion joints to ensure the bridge’s longevity. Engineer Michael Ochola from UNRA reassured stakeholders that temporary measures, including sawdust and geotextile materials, are in place until the joints are installed.
The rehabilitation, costing UGX 6.8 billion, was executed by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) in partnership with China Seventh Railway Group. The upgrades have extended the bridge’s lifespan by over 20 years.
The closure disrupted transportation to northern Uganda, South Sudan, and eastern DRC, forcing vehicles to take alternative routes. Business owners like Joseline Busingye, who operates a pub in Karuma Town, expressed relief, citing significant losses during the closure.
Meanwhile, plans are underway for the construction of a new suspended bridge over the Nile, funded by the Japanese government, to provide an alternative to the Karuma Bridge.
The reopening marks a critical step in restoring normalcy to trade and transport in the region.5 . The reopening of Karuma Bridge also restores a vital link between Northern Uganda and the rest of the country, easing the transportation of goods and passengers.
