Karuma Bridge Opening Tomorrow Friday - Gen Katumba Wamala

The Minister of Works and Transport, Edward Katumba has revealed that following months long repairs, Karuma Bridge will be opened to the public tomorrow by 6:00Am, although only buses and light vehicles will be allowed through the bridge as repairs for the heavy trucks continue.

 Katumba made the pronouncement during Prime Minister’s Question time, where he was asked by Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa to update the nation on the ongoing repairs along Karuma bridge.

“I am happy to inform Parliament that I promised that before Christmas, Karuma bridge will be opened for people travelling that direction to travel. Karuma will be open tomorrow by 6:00am for light vehicles and buses as we finalize the repairs for the heavy tracks so bear with us, we will start with buses and light vehicles tomorrow by 6am, you can travel through Karuma bridge,” said Katumba.

The Karuma Bridge in Uganda was closed to all traffic on September 23, 2024, for three months to allow for rehabilitation.

The bridge was closed due to worn-out and cracked components, including bearings and expansion joints.

The government decided to replace the entire bridge deck to ensure the safety of motorists.

The rehabilitation to include new safety features, such as stronger guard rails and better lighting.

 Traffic was diverted, Motorists were diverted to alternative routes, including: North to Kampala: The Eastern route via Gulu, Kamdini, Lira, Soroti, Tirinyi, Pallisa, Iganga, and Jinja Ferry: The ferry route via Gulu, Kamdini, Apac, Masindi Port, and Luweero to Kampala Murchison Falls National Park. Travelers were restricted by the game park management to moving between 7 AM–7 PM.