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The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced changes in traffic flow that will affect the movement of trucks, lorries and trailers owing to the closure of Karuma bridge on May 6, 2024.

In a statement released on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, UNRA says under the new changes, lorries, trailers, trucks will effective Friday, May 24, 2024, use Kafu-Masindi, branch off on the left to use Hoima-Biiso-Buliisa-Paraa road, to connect to Pakwach or Gulu Via Olwiyo and vice versa.

UNRA noted that following wider stakeholder engagements, it had now been resolved that owing to the ecologically sensitive environment along the Masindi-Parra route, “all drivers of trailers, lorries, and trucks, except buses, are now advised, effective Friday, May 24" 2024, to use Kafu-Masindi, branch off on the left to use Hoima-Biiso-Buliisa-Paraa road, to connect to Pakwach or Gulu Via Olwiyo and vice versa”.

According to the roads authority, this alternative route is fully paved and involves a shorter distance of approximately 20 kilometres of travel through the Murchison Falls National Park, significantly reducing the impact on wildlife movement and behaviour. This is further intended to protect and conserve Uganda's rich wildlife heritage.

Following the closure of the bridge to heavy vehicles over defects, they were on May 6, diverted to use Luwero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo and vice versa from Gulu/West Nile.

On May 3, 2024 UNRA announced the closure of the bridge: "Only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 persons will be allowed to use the bridge. We anticipate that this intervention will be completed in three months".

Justifying why they had closed the bridge to heavy trucks, UNRA said: "The continued exposure of the bridge to the ever-increasing heavy traffic is likely to accelerate its deterioration and serviceability, if not addressed in time".