Kiryandongo District – Buses, land cruisers, taxis, and other light vehicles will pass through Karuma Bridge, while trailers will begin crossing on January 15, 2025.
While addressing hundreds of people gathered at Karuma Cell, Central Ward, Karuma Town Council, Kiryandongo District, Minister Musa Ecwero applauded the three RDCs (Resident District Commissioners) who were present at the ceremony and encouraged them to continue working diligently to reach the level where he is now. He also thanked China Railways Seven and Engineer Ochola for their contributions. “We can’t manufacture an engineer overnight,” he said, while assuring the technical engineering team of an automatic merger with the Ministry of Works.
The minister donated one bull to the community of Karuma and gave UGX 1 million to the security officers present. He promised that China Railways would deliver a toilet facility and announced that a modal bridge would be constructed by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), with funding from the Japanese government.
Minister Ecwero ordered the installation and control of a speed limit sign approaching the bridge. He also mentioned that China Railways Seven would work on Tangi Bridge in Pakwach and address related issues, adding that the Ejeti Bridge had already been budgeted for by the Cabinet.
In attendance were Hon. Minister Norbert Mao, Minister of Constitutional Affairs; MP Gilbert Olanya of Kilak South County; Hon. Alyek Judith, Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group; and Adokorach Irene, former woman MP aspirant for Kiryandongo District. LC5 Chairperson of Kiryandongo Edith Aliguma Adyeri praised Minister Ecwero for the progress, assuring him that the people were now celebrating the reopening of Karuma Bridge. She also pointed out that Masindi Port had been congested, and lamented the tragic loss of four lives when a boat capsized on the river.
“We are excited that the bridge has been opened today, and I thank His Excellency for sparing resources. Indeed, our future has been secured,” said Aliguma Adyeri.
MP Gilbert Olanya urged the minister to request that the government assist the small-scale business community with funding, as their Parish Development Model (PDM) had not yielded expected results. Laker Sharon Balmoi, the Woman MP for Gulu District, thanked Hon. Tony Awany for frequently inspecting the road. She encouraged people to send their children to the park.
Hon. Minister Norbert Mao remarked that by building Karuma, Minister Ecwero had “balanced the boat.” He stated, “If the people embrace government initiatives, they work faster. That means the government can keep its promises if people push for them, and this was a case of positive pressure. Government can actually keep its promises, especially when there is money.” Mao also emphasized that the collapse of businesses in Karuma, Kafu, and Kamdini was a matter that the government needed to address by ensuring safety and support for Musa Ecwero’s initiatives.
“The only thing that will unite Uganda is shared prosperity,” said Mao.
MP Linos Ngompek of Ibanda North Constituency, Kiryandongo District, also spoke, remembering the lives lost at River Karuma and thanking President Museveni for the well-done job.
Tony Awany, MP for Nwoya, discussed the need for faster progress on the Yume-Koboko Road, which is being funded by the World Bank but is progressing slowly.
Many people expressed their happiness over the reopening of the Karuma Bridge, including Aturu Darabim of Kitgum and RDC Oceng Osborn of Amuru, among others.
