REVEALED! Government to Complete Karuma Bridge Reconstruction in Three Months
Patrick Uma
KARUMA, UGANDA! The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, announced that Karuma Bridge will be totally closed to all traffic effective Monday next week to allow construction activities.
This was made on Tuesday morning during his inspection at the bridge.
Minister Katumba revealed that the construction is expected to take three months, he added, they expect the work to be completed before Christmas to accommodate holiday travel.
Additionally, he revealed that an alternative route will be available via Masindi Port, where an extra ferry has been added to assist the existing service along the Masindi Port road.
Hon. Ocaya Washington, the Councilor for Karuma Town Council, expressed in an interview that many residents depend on the Gulu-Kampala road for their livelihoods and urged the government to consider tax relief for businesses impacted by the bridge's closure.
Gen. Katumba also mentioned plans to install lighting and new guardrails along the bridge. Meanwhile Denis Gony, a chicken vendor at Kamdini Trading Center, shared with journalists that the bridge's closure will negatively impact his business and requested the government to provide an engine boat to facilitate crossings for boda-bodas from the upper river area.
UNRA spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa said motorists will be diverted through three routes with those from Kampala heading to Gulu/West Nile using the Luweero—Kafu—Masindi—Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo and the vice versa.
While, those traveling to Lira are advised to take the Rwenkunye—Apac route via the Masindi Port Ferry, or also opt for the Iganga—Nakalama—Tirinyi—Pallisa—Kumi—Soroti route.
During a recent parliamentary meeting in Gulu, MPs from Northern Uganda urged the government to expedite the construction work on Karuma Bridge to enable residents to resume their business activities and travel.
Karuma Bridge was originally built in 1963 to assist farmers in Northern Uganda in crossing the river while transporting
cotton.
