Govt to re-open Karuma, Ayago bridges on Monday

After several weeks of closure, the government will Monday (April 14) reopen to traffic on the Karuma and Ayago bridges along the Karuma-Pakwach highway.

This follows the completion of works on the infrastructure. The Works and Transport Ministry confirmed the development on Saturday.

In a statement, the ministry said the bridges are set to be reopened to all traffic (small and heavy vehicles), noting that there had been a "successful installation and curing of expansion joints".

"These are critical components that allow the bridge structure to expand and contract with temperature changes and traffic loads, thereby maintaining its structural integrity and extending its lifespan," the ministry said in a short statement on X (formerly Twitter).

It added: "We thank all road users and stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during this essential maintenance period."

However, according to the ministry, reopening is pending additional works such as the installation of guardrails, street lighting, river training works, cat's eyes installation, and painting of structural steel plate girders under the bridge.

The ministry noted these works will not affect traffic flow.

Background

Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala last month announced the bridge's closure from March 10 to March 31.  However, work is extended for an additional week to complete pending works.

Karuma Bridge, along the Kampala–Gulu highway at Karuma Falls, was first closed to traffic in May 2024 due to critical structural defects.

The bridge underwent extensive repairs before resuming operations last December.

Ferry services

In the absence of road transport services along the highway, the ministry acknowledged that the move would disrupt travel along the busy highway, a major link between central and northern Uganda.

To mitigate the impact, the ministry confirmed that ferries at Masindi Port have been fully repaired and successfully tested.

These ferries would become operational on the same day as the bridge closure, offering an alternative route for motorists and transporters.