transportation 16 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Katonga Bridge Reopens Today After Permanent Reconstruction
Motorists can now use the fully reconstructed Katonga Bridge on the Kampala-Masaka highway following completion of permanent works. The Minister of Transport is set to commission the new structure today. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/katonga-bridge-reopens-today-following-completion-of-permanent-works-5635376
Drivers using the vital Kampala-Masaka highway can finally put an end to months of disruption. The permanent Katonga Bridge, rebuilt after severe flood damage, is set to officially reopen today, Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Transport Minister Fred Byamukama will preside over the commissioning ceremony. While the bridge will be fully operational, authorities have advised motorists to anticipate a brief traffic halt of approximately 20 minutes between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM to facilitate the event. Traffic police will be on-site to manage the flow and ensure safety.
The original bridge was severely damaged by flash floods on May 11, 2023, leading to significant travel complications. Initially, only lighter vehicles could use a section of the old structure, while heavy trucks and fuel tankers were rerouted, adding considerable distance and cost to their journeys.
A temporary steel bridge was constructed and opened in December 2023 to ease the burden for all vehicle types, including heavy cargo. Construction on the new, permanent pre-stressed concrete bridge, designed to be raised against future flood risks, began in October 2024 after extensive environmental assessments.
The Kampala-Masaka highway is a critical artery for Uganda’s commerce and a key transit route for regional trade, handling close to 30,000 vehicles daily. Its restoration is a significant development for both local and international transit.