Kiryandongo District – While addressing members of the press in an exclusive interview from Karuma Cell, Karuma Central Ward, Karuma Town Council, Kiryandongo District, Eng. Lawrence Pario, the Head of Bridges and Structures at UNRA, disclosed that 95 percent of the major rehabilitation work on Karuma Bridge had already been completed.
He added that the work included the bridge deck, replacement of 12 bearings, laying of asphalt, installation of guard rails, lights, and parapet walls, among other improvements.
Around May 2024, engineers realized that the bridge had developed cracks, leading to its closure. In July, the construction team was brought in to fix the problem. With the repair works now in their advanced stages, the reopening of Karuma Bridge has restored normalcy for hundreds of travelers and facilitated the transportation of goods and services across Northern Uganda.
Eng. Lawrence Pario has been commended by members of the public in Kiryandongo, Gulu, Nwoya, Masindi, and the entire Bunyoro sub-region for the excellent work done. Jane Akiiki, a 56-year-old woman from Karuma Cell, Karuma Town Council, stated that Engineer Opio’s swift progress on the bridge has significantly boosted business in Northern Uganda, as well as in Kafu, Luwero, and other parts of the country.
Minister Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works and Transport, also commended Engineer Opio and his entire team for skillfully carrying out the work with dedication.
The bridge was officially opened on Friday, December 20, 2024. Engineer Pario was accompanied by MPs, including Adokorach Irene, the Kiryandongo Woman MP aspirant (NRM), Birungi Margaret Katungi Akiiki of Kiryandongo, Minister Norbert Mao, RDCs, members of the media, and other stakeholders.
