Historic Ssezibwa Bridge Demolished After 70 Years of Service

The iconic Ssezibwa Bridge, a structure that has stood for seven decades along the busy Kayunga–Mukono Highway, has been taken down. Its demolition marks the end of an era for a bridge built during the British colonial period, which played a significant role in transporting goods like coffee and cotton across the Ssezibwa River.

The old steel bridge, a familiar sight and an informal boundary between Kayunga and Mukono, was also the stage for a notable political event in 2009 when the then-Buganda Katikkiro was prevented from entering Kayunga, leading to widespread protests.

While the bridge’s dismantling signifies progress, some locals have expressed sadness, advocating for its repair and preservation as a historical monument. “The old bridge just needed expansion and renovation and would serve for some more years. By removing it, it is like erasing the history of our area,” shared resident Anna Kyakuwaire.

However, engineers from the Ministry of Works stated that the bridge had reached the end of its lifespan, with significant rust compromising its stability. “Some of the components of the old bridge can still be used for construction of another bridge. They will be kept in the store and, if there is any emergency construction of a bridge, they will use them,” explained Eng Yasiin Kayemba, the project manager.

The dismantling process took approximately three weeks. Motorists are now utilizing the new arch bridge, a Shs54 billion project undertaken by Dynaco Ltd. Construction of the replacement bridge began in June 2024, and despite some delays due to weather and funding, its completion is slated for February 2026.

https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/70-year-old-ssezibwa-bridge-dismantled-as-new-structure-nears-completion-5632176