Hundreds of business people in Karuma and Kamdini towns are facing significant challenges as the effects of traffic restrictions begin to impact their livelihoods.

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in a statement on May 3, 2024, announced the closure of the bridge to all heavy trucks, buses and vehicles carrying over 28 passengers effective today, May 6.

Jordan Komakech, a businessman in Karuma Town Council, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that they are already experiencing losses due to the absence of heavy trucks and buses, which used to be their primary source of income.

Vehicles stopped at the Arua junction check point on the Kampala-Gulu highway. Photo by Hudson Apunyo

"It will not take two weeks; all the people operating petty businesses will run away because others are operating on loans," Komakech lamented.

Roadside vendors in Karuma and Kamdini towns, who rely on travellers for sales, reported a noticeable decrease in business activity as the travel advisory took effect on Monday.

Karuma town, typically bustling with trailers, appeared deserted on Monday, with most businesses closed by 7:00 pm.

Vendors struggled to sell to passengers as traffic dwindled in Kamdini. Photo by Hudson Apunyo

In Kamdini, Oyam district, fewer lorries travelling from the Lira direction to Gulu and Arua could be seen.

The town's sellers, predominantly comprised of youth and women, appeared gloomy as they faced a decline in customer traffic.

A bus that plies the Gulu route was seen dropping off passengers at the security checkpoint at Arua junction and the passengers boarded motorcycles to Karuma where they boarded another bus of the same company to Kampala. 

Karuma town that is usually full of trailer trucks, was deserted on Monday. Photo by Hudson Apunyo

While acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the traffic restrictions, Julius Hakiza, Albertine Region Police spokesperson, emphasised the importance of compliance with the directives issued by UNRA.

He warned drivers against defying the directives, noting that enforcement measures would be implemented, including the arrest and impounding of vehicles belonging to defiant drivers.

"We call upon them to cooperate with us and abide by the directives of UNRA and use the alternative routes until such a time when the work on the bridge is complete and it’s reopened," Hakiza urged.