Government Begins Construction of New Karuma Bridge to Boost Safety and Trade

The Ugandan government has officially commenced the construction of a brand-new Karuma Bridge to replace the ageing 1963 structure, a development designed to improve road safety and streamline regional trade along the crucial Northern Corridor.

Situated between Nwoya and Kiryandongo districts, the existing bridge serves as a vital economic lifeline for commercial trucks transporting goods between Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the legacy structure has long been a source of anxiety for motorists.

According to Ms Khadija Nakakande, the principal communications officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, the current bridge suffers from a narrow carriageway and dangerous S-curves on its approach roads. These hazardous angles have frequently contributed to severe accidents, with several heavy trucks plunging into the River Nile over the years.

The new infrastructure project is financed through a Japanese government grant of approximately Shs98 billion ($24 million), facilitated via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Japanese firm Zenitaka Corporation has been contracted to execute the works, which are slated for completion in 36 months.

Engineered to modern standards, the upcoming cable-supported bridge will span 245 metres with a width of 11.5 metres, incorporating a seven-metre carriageway and a dedicated two-metre pedestrian walkway. Crucially, the design features straighter approach roads and a higher elevation to eliminate the notorious bends, drastically improving traffic flow and safety for all road users.

Authorities have confirmed that the historic old bridge will remain operational throughout the construction phase, continuing to handle emergency vehicles, auxiliary traffic, and tourism activities.

Read more about this project on the Daily Monitor.