The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has revealed that there are no immediate plans to repair the damaged section of the Ssezibwa Bridge, and instead, a new permanent bridge will be constructed.
The 70-year-old Ssezibwa Bridge, which is currently limited to one lane, had been partially closed to heavy vehicles due to structural defects. UNRA has prohibited heavy trucks from using this aging bridge, as engineers have determined that it has exceeded its expected lifespan.
Mr. Allan Ssempebwa, the spokesperson for UNRA, stated that they intend to expedite the procurement process to secure a contractor for the new permanent bridge, rather than focusing on renovating the old one. This decision is based on the identified structural defects and the urgent nature of the situation.
While Mr. Ssempebwa did not specify a start date for the construction of the new bridge, he emphasized that it would begin “very soon.” He acknowledged the risks associated with the current bridge but assured that lighter vehicles could continue to use it.
The damage to the Ssezibwa Bridge has been exacerbated by heavy trucks transporting sugarcane from Kayunga District to Luweero District and other parts of the country.
UNRA has provided alternative routes for traffic to bypass the damaged bridge. Traffic traveling from Jinja to Kampala is advised to use the Kampala-Jinja road (72km) or the Njeru-Kisoga-Mukono road (64km). Traffic from Kayunga heading to Kampala should utilize the Kyampisi–Namataba road (51km), while traffic from Luweero heading to Kayunga is recommended to take the Kalagi-Mukono–Namataba-Kyampisi–Kayunga road. However, some of these routes have limitations, such as being narrow and slippery in rainy conditions.
Ssezibwa Bridge has a historical significance as it has been an essential infrastructure for Kayunga and other regions. Before its construction in 1953, travelers had to cross the one-kilometer stretch of River Ssezibwa using canoes to transport their merchandise. This bridge was initially constructed to facilitate the transportation of cotton and coffee from Kayunga (Bugerere) to Kampala during the early 1940s to the 1970s.
Prior to its partial closure, many motorists were using Ssezibwa Bridge to avoid traffic congestion, particularly from Nakawa, Bweyogerere, Seeta, and Mukono towns on the Jinja–Kampala road.
