Government Suspends Traffic on Karuma Road for Major Rehabilitation

The government has officially announced the suspension of all traffic on the Karuma Road, which is set to be demolished and rebuilt.

Starting from September 23, 2024, no vehicles will be permitted to cross the Karuma Bridge as the extensive rehabilitation work begins.

The decision was confirmed by the Minister of Roads and Transportation, Gen. Katumba Wamala, who stated that the suspension would apply to all forms of traffic, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. This comes after an earlier restriction that barred heavy goods vehicles and buses from using the road.

According to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), the rehabilitation of the Karuma Road will take more than three months to complete. As a result, alternative routes have been recommended for travelers heading to northern Uganda.

For those traveling from Kampala to Gulu and West Nile, the suggested route is via Luweero—Kafu—Masindi—Paraa (through Murchison Falls National Park) to Pakwach, Olwiyo, and Gulu.

Travelers heading to Rwenkunye—Apac are advised to take the Masindi Port ferry, while those journeying to Lira can use the Iganga—Nakalama—Tirinyi—Pallisa—Kumi—Soroti—Lira route.

The government urges all travelers to plan accordingly and use the recommended routes until the Karuma Road rehabilitation is completed.

Karuma Bridge was temporarily closed to heavy vehicles in April this year, after an assessment established defects on its structures. The government has since contracted National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and China Seventh Railway Group to repair the defects within three months.

7.9 billion shillings was earmarked to facilitate the repair works on the bridge.