Karuma Bridge Repair Commences with Government Oversight
The Ugandan government has initiated the process to repair the Karuma Bridge to restore normal traffic flow. The project, costing approximately 7 billion shillings, aims to address the structural fatigue affecting crucial components of the bridge. Allan Ssempebwa, the communications officer at the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), confirmed this development.
Located 270 kilometers north of Kampala along the Kampala-Gulu highway, Karuma Bridge serves as a vital link between northern and southern Uganda. The bridge’s repair is essential to ensure uninterrupted transportation across the Victoria Albertine Nile River.
“We are handing over the site to the contractor, NEC UPDF in a Joint Venture with China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG), to undertake the necessary repairs,” stated Ssempebwa in a social media update.
Karuma Bridge, constructed in 1963 shortly after Uganda gained independence, has faced challenges due to structural wear and tear. In response, UNRA took the precautionary measure to partially close the bridge from May 6th onwards, restricting passage to light vehicles only.
Currently, the bridge permits only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 persons. Heavy vehicles such as large buses, lorries, and trucks transporting substantial cargo between Gulu, Lira, Kitgum, and West Nile have been advised to use alternative routes. These routes include passing through Murchison Falls National Park to Pakwach or Rwenkunye for crossing over to Masindi Port via ferry.
Allan Ssempebwa, the communications officer at Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), confirmed that the sh7 billion project will focus on repairing the fatigued components of the bridge structure.
Located 270 kilometers north of Kampala, Karuma Bridge serves as a vital connection between northern and southern Uganda.
“We have officially handed over the site to the contractor— NEC UPDF in a Joint Venture with China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG)—to undertake the necessary repairs,” Ssempebwa announced in a social media post on July 7th.
Earlier on July 6, 2024, the Minister of State for Works, Musa Ecweru, presided over the handover ceremony in Karuma township, situated on the Victoria Albertine Nile River. The bridge, constructed in 1963, holds historical significance as it was built just a year after Uganda gained independence from Britain.
Due to structural fatigue, UNRA had earlier this year imposed restrictions on Karuma Bridge, limiting passage to only light vehicles effective May 6th. Currently, passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 persons are permitted to use the bridge, while larger vehicles such as buses, lorries, and trucks traveling to and from Gulu, Lira, Kitgum, and West Nile are advised to reroute through Murchison Falls National Park to Pakwach or Rwenkunye, utilizing the Masindi Port Ferry.
The repair project, aimed at enhancing safety and functionality, is expected to address these structural concerns comprehensively.
