Plans to replace the Karuma Bridge are underway with construction expected to commence in 2029, New Vision Online has learnt.

To that effect, the Government has contacted the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) on the possibility of affiliating in the delivery of this key infrastructure, according to Gloria Sibo Muhwezi, a senior environmentalist.

Sibo says JICA agreed to consider partnering on the replacement and is currently drawing a design, a process expected to be completed in 2026 and construction is expected to commence in 2029.

She was on Thursday, April 11, 2024, responding to concerns raised by the local community of Karuma town council, Diima sub-county in Kiryandongo district and Kamdini sub-county in Oyam district during a meeting with stakeholders to give feedback on consultation that took place between October 2023 and February 2024 that will be incorporated in the final design.

Oriental Consultants Global in conjunction with Prome Consultants Ltd are contracted to carry out the environmental and social impact assessments of the replacement of the Karuma Bridge.

Karuma Bridge is located 270km north of Kampala on the Kampala-Gulu highway and is the main connection between the southern and northern Uganda.

Sibo said job opportunities will be for indigenous people in Kiryandongo, Oyam, and Nwoya districts and with not more than 200 workers including experts.

She added that the existing bridge was constructed in 1963 and is insufficient to accommodate the increased level of traffic on the road. The bridge has also been the scene of several crashes.

The plans are underway to construct a modern bridge 50 metres downstream of the current Karuma Bridge.

However, the communities proposed that to avoid crashes, the Government has to construct a Covered Bridge like that of Pakwach.

“It is the 3rd phase and we are waiting for the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to sign and then the procurement process and the work to start,” Sibo said

Edward Mutesa, a social development specialist attached to Prome Consults Ltd, said maintenance of Karuma bride will continue by the Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA).

According to UNRA Gulu branch station manger Robert Okee, they will continuously maintain Karuma Bridge.