Karuma Bridge, which connects Kampala to northern Uganda, is facing the possibility of another shutdown to allow for additional repairs, less than two months after its reopening, according to Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala.
The bridge, which cost the government Shs11 billion of taxpayer money after it was initially closed on September 23, 2024, was partially reopened just before Christmas on December 20, allowing light vehicles and buses to cross, but not heavy trucks.
While appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on the Budget on Wednesday, Gen. Katumba revealed that the technical team is still evaluating the situation to determine whether repairs can proceed while vehicles continue crossing or if a complete closure will be required.
“The technical team is still conducting assessments to determine whether they can fix the expansion joints while vehicles continue crossing, or if it will require several days of closure to complete the repairs,” the minister said on February 5.
Gen. Katumba assured lawmakers, however, that any closure would only occur after children have returned to school.
“I told my team that even if there is a need for closure, it should not happen during the period when parents are taking their children back to school. After that, we will assess whether the closure is necessary and then communicate the decision,” he said.
Following the rehabilitation works carried out last year, which included demolishing the concrete deck and conducting major restoration efforts, Gen. Katumba stated that additional work is now required to allow heavy trucks to cross the bridge safely.
“We had to import some materials, which have now arrived in the country, called expansion joints. These will be installed to enable heavy trucks to cross as well,” he explained.
The Ministry of Works and Transport is expected to provide further communication on whether a complete closure will be necessary after the ongoing technical assessments.
