Karuma Bridge Reopens After Key Repairs
Bahati shalom
Monday, April 14, 2025
Karuma Bridge will reopens today the public after undergoing months of repairs
Karuma Bridge on the Kampala-Gulu highway has officially reopened to all traffic this morning, April 14, 2025, after being closed for three weeks to complete important maintenance work.
The bridge, which is more than 60 years old, is a critical connection between northern and southern Uganda. It also supports cross-border trade between Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, acting as a major transit route linking Mombasa and Dar es Salaam ports to inland countries.
The Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed the reopening in a statement, saying all major installations had been completed. These include street lights and the fixing of expansion joints—special components that help the bridge expand and contract when temperatures change or vehicles pass. This ensures the bridge remains strong and safe for use over time.
Allan Ssempebwa, the ministry’s communications officer, said:
“Karuma Bridge is now ready to receive all traffic… The bridge has been fitted with reflective plates and street lights.”
The bridge had been closed on March 24, 2025, and its temporary shutdown forced drivers to use longer and more difficult routes, such as through Murchison Falls National Park, Masindi Port, and parts of eastern Uganda. This caused major delays in transport and trade.
Also read: Uganda to Build a 488.32 Billion New Karuma Bridge with Support from Japan
Though the bridge is now open, the Ministry said some small tasks are still being completed. These include putting up more guardrails, adding extra lighting, fixing river training structures, installing cat’s eyes for night driving, and painting parts under the bridge. These minor works are not expected to block or delay traffic.
This is the second time in less than a year that Karuma Bridge has been closed. In September 2024, the bridge was shut down after engineers discovered serious problems in the deck, bearings, and joints. It reopened in December 2024 after three months of repairs.
Looking to the future, Uganda has signed a deal with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to build a brand-new Karuma Bridge. The project is expected to take five years and cost around Shs 121 billion. It will be funded through a grant from Japan.
