Karuma Bridge: UPDF, China contractor commence repairs

UNRA has handed over Karuma Bridge repairs to UPDF Engineering Brigade and China Railway Seventh Group
Government is in the advanced stages of acquiring a contractor to construct a new bridge at Karuma
The repair of the 61-year-old bridge aims to restore normal traffic in the short term

“The repairs are aimed at restoring normal traffic in the short term,” UNRA stated on X.

According to UNRA, the government is in the advanced stages of acquiring a contractor to construct a new bridge at Karuma, a pivotal bridge linking the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, West Nile region and Northern Uganda to the rest of the country.

Following the completion of the repair of the 61-year-old bridge, the government intends to also construct modern bridges at other strategic locations including Pakwach, the gateway to West Nile, Masindi Port and across River Nile at Laropi.

“Government has planned to construct a new iconic bridge at Karuma. The design is nearing completion and procurement of a Contractor is expected to commence soon. The Government has also planned to construct new Bridges across River Nile at Laropi, Pakwach and Masindi Port to improve regional and international transportation of goods and services,” UNRA added.

In May, UNRA announced the closure of Karuma Bridge, diverting traffic to the ecologically sensitive Masindi-Parra route through the Murchison Falls National Park.

"All drivers of trailers, lorries and trucks - except buses - are now advised, effective Friday May 24, to use Kafu-Masindi, branch off on the left to use Hoima-Biiso-Buliisa-Paraa road, to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo and vice versa," the statement stated announcing that repairs on the bridge would take three months.

UNRA attributed the traffic diversion to defects on the bridge and limited only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 persons.