Bribery Allegations Emerge as Heavy Trucks Access Closed Karuma Bridge at Night

The Ankole Times

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) closed the Karuma Bridge to heavy trucks due to the deterioration of some structural elements, particularly on the Kampala approach lane. Continued exposure to heavy traffic is expected to further accelerate this deterioration.

Sources have revealed that trucks previously stopped by UNRA can now access the bridge between 1 am and 3 am, allegedly after paying bribes ranging from UGX 80,000 to UGX 100,000.




It is reported that most of the trucks accessing this bridge are cargo trucks coming from South Sudan, Gulu, and Arua. These truck drivers have agents who coordinate at Karuma Junction for routes to Arua and Gulu, and Kamdin town




This vital bridge, connecting Kampala to northern Uganda, West Nile, DR Congo via Goli, and South Sudan, was closed to all lorries, trailers, and buses on May 6, 2024, for a planned three-month repair period.




The closure has caused significant disruptions, forcing travelers to take alternative routes:

  • Kampala to Gulu and West Nile: Luwero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo.
  • Kampala to Lira: Iganga-Nakalama-Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi-Soroti-Lira.

Assessment teams have confirmed that the bridge’s structural steel has rusted, and the concrete and bearings have significantly deteriorated.

Considering the bridge’s age and the strain it has endured, including an attempt by Idi Amin’s troops to destroy it in 1979, it appears that the Karuma Falls Bridge may be nearing the end of its lifespan.




We will provide updates on this story as our reporters continue to investigate.

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