The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has given the green light for buses to resume using the Katonga Bridge along the Kampala-Masaka highway.
This decision, announced in a statement on Monday September 04, 2023, means that in addition to pedestrians, motorbikes, salon cars, SUVs, station wagons, commuter taxis, and 28-seaters (coasters), buses are all permitted to cross the bridge.
UNRA stated that this change comes after continuous technical monitoring and recent assessments, which concluded that the bridge can withstand a loading of up to 30 tonnes. Precautionary measures are to be immediately implemented by the contractor, China Communications Construction Company Ltd.
“All permitted traffic is therefore strongly urged to follow the signage in place and all the traffic guidelines established at a safe approach distance to the bridge,” the UNRA statement emphasized.
UNRA also provided an update on the restoration works, mentioning that ongoing construction of the steel bridge’s second phase is in progress, aiming for full traffic restoration at the Katonga section before permanent works commence.
The decision to allow buses to use the Katonga Bridge is a welcome relief for many, particularly passengers traveling from Western Uganda.
They had been enduring increased transport fares and the longer and more challenging journey via Gomba and Ssembabule after heavy rains and floods caused part of the bridge to collapse in May. This new development will also benefit bus companies, reducing their fuel and time expenses.