Okollo bridge closed to trucks and buses after structure weakens

The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced the immediate closure of Okollo steel bridge on the Arua–Nebbi road to buses and heavy goods trucks, citing structural damage caused by vehicles loaded beyond the allowable height restrictions.

In a statement issued on Friday September 19, Permanent Secretary Waiswa Bageya said the bridge’s structural integrity had been compromised, leaving it unsafe to accommodate heavy vehicles.

“The Okollo steel bridge on the Arua–Nebbi road has been damaged by trucks loaded beyond the allowable height restrictions that can be accommodated by the bridge. The structural integrity has been compromised and can no longer accommodate heavy goods trucks,” Bageya said.

As a safety measure, only light vehicles will be allowed to use the bridge until further notice.

Bageya outlined alternative routes for motorists: trucks and buses travelling between Kampala and Arua should divert after Pakwach bridge and use the Pakwach–Inde–Ocoko road, while those moving between Nebbi and Arua should use the Anyiribu–Ullepi road or the Nebbi–Zombo–Vurra–Arua road.

He also reminded transporters to adhere to load height limits.

“Trucks are guided to load goods within the allowable prescribed limit of 4.2 metres,” he said.

The Ministry has dispatched a bridge team to the site to conduct a detailed inspection that will determine the best and fastest restoration option. 

According to Bageya, the government is committed to retrofitting the bridge within six weeks.

“The closure to trucks and buses takes immediate effect. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the public’s patience,” he added.