Karuma and Ayago bridges closed for repairs

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Karuma and Ayago bridges on the Kampala-Gulu highway have been closed to traffic from today, Monday, 24 March 2025, to facilitate the installation of expansion joints, the government has announced.

Travellers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow diversion signs placed along the road to guide their movement. Alternative routes for motorists include:

• Kampala-Gulu/West Nile: Via Luwero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park)-Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo (and vice versa).
• Kampala-Lira: Via Iganga-Nakalama-Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi-Soroti-Lira (and vice versa).
• Motorists travelling to Lira can also use the Rwerikunye-Apac route via Masindi Port Ferry.

(Courtesy)

(Courtesy)

To accommodate diverted traffic, the Masindi Port ferries have undergone full repairs, successfully completed sea trials, and have been operational since 10 March.

The temporary closure will allow for the installation of expansion joints, a critical maintenance effort aimed at preserving the structural integrity of the bridges.

Announcing the closure on February 28, 2025, the works & transport minister, Gen. Katumba Wamala, stated that the repairs are essential for ensuring the long-term stability of the bridge and restoring full traffic flow.

"This period will also be used to install expansion joints on Ayago Bridge (Karuma-Olwiyo road), which have been damaged due to fatigue," Gen. Katumba said in a statement issued on February 28 this year.

This is not the first time Karuma Bridge has undergone emergency repairs. It was first closed to traffic in May 2024 due to critical structural defects. Urgent repairs, which cost the government sh11b, were carried out, and the bridge was reopened on December 20, 2024, for light vehicles only to ease travel during the festive season.

With these latest works, authorities hope to extend the lifespan of this critical infrastructure connecting central Uganda to the north.

According to works ministry information officer, Allan Ssempebwa, the closure is expected to last at least three weeks. The ministry acknowledged that the move would disrupt travel along the busy highway, a major link between central and northern Uganda.

Ssempebwa stated that ongoing works on Karuma Bridge had temporarily been suspended to allow repairs on the Masindi ferry, which would facilitate the diversion. With the ferry operational, the ministry urged travellers to adjust their plans accordingly.

"Please plan your journey accordingly! We regret the inconvenience caused," the ministry stated on X.