Government Begins Construction of New Shs88 Billion Karuma Bridge

The Ugandan government has officially commenced the construction of a new 245-metre cable-supported bridge across the River Nile at Karuma. Valued at approximately USD24 million (Shs88 billion), the project aims to drastically improve road safety and streamline the transportation of goods along the vital Northern Corridor.

According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the new infrastructure will replace the historical 1963 bridge. The old crossing has long presented challenges for motorists, particularly heavy commercial vehicles, due to its narrow carriageway and hazardous sharp bends on the approach roads. These design limitations have historically contributed to accidents and restricted traffic flow.

The 36-month construction project is funded through a generous grant from the Japanese Government via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Japanese contractor Zenitaka Corporation has been tasked with executing the build. Once completed, the bridge will feature an 11.5-metre width, a seven-metre carriageway, and a dedicated two-metre pedestrian walkway.

This development follows significant structural challenges faced by the old Karuma Bridge in 2024. Severe wear and tear, including structural cracks and damaged expansion joints, forced authorities to restrict heavy trucks and eventually close the bridge temporarily for emergency repairs. Although subsequent rehabilitations successfully restored functionality, the new project delivers a permanent solution to regional transport demands.

Significantly, the Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed that the historic 1963 bridge will remain operational during the construction period to handle auxiliary traffic and serve as a local tourism landmark. Upon completion, the new structure will become Uganda’s second cable-supported bridge, following the New River Nile Bridge in Jinja.

Read more about this development on the Nile Post.