By Ruth Nanyonga
KIRYANDONGO.The government of Uganda has announced that it has commenced construction of a new Karuma Bridge to replace the ageing 1963 structure.
The move is aimed at improving road safety and easing regional trade along the Northern Corridor.
The existing bridge, located between Nwoya and Kiryandongo districts, is a key link for commercial trucks transporting goods between Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ms Khadija Nakakande, the Ministry of Works and Transport principal communications officer, said the old bridge had undergone repairs but its narrow carriageway and sharp bends on the approach roads continued to pose risks to motorists, particularly drivers of heavy trucks.
“Though the old bridge has been repaired, many trucks still get crashes at the S-curves,” she said, adding: “The approach road to the old bridge has S-bends which impose risks to loaded trucks. In addition, the old bridge is two lane and narrow with sharp curves at approach roads and cannot evacuate traffic faster.”
Ms Nakakande said the new bridge would have straighter approach roads to improve traffic flow, reduce the risks associated with navigating the bends and enhance safety for road users.
She said the existing bridge would remain open during construction and would continue to serve emergency and auxiliary traffic, as well as tourism activities.
“The old bridge will also remain open during the construction of the new bridge,” she said.
The project is being funded through a Japanese government grant of about Shs98 billion ($24 million), channelled through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The new bridge will have a 245-metre span, comprising sections of 45, 120 and 80 metres, and will be 11.5 metres wide. It will include a seven-metre carriageway and a two-metre pedestrian walkway.
The cable-supported bridge is designed with a higher elevation and straighter approaches to improve safety and accommodate growing regional transport demands.
Japanese contractor Zenitaka Corporation is undertaking the works, which are expected to take 36 months.
Karuma Bridge has been the scene of several fatal accidents involving vehicles plunging into the River Nile. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of the narrow bridge and its approach roads.
On January 26–27 this year, an Isuzu truck carrying maize and up to seven people, including its driver, Jamal Oello, reportedly lost control after hitting a guardrail and plunged into the Nile at night. Recovery operations retrieved partial remains and debris, amid fears of a high death toll.
In September 2026, a bus travelling from Kampala to Yumbe and Adjumani was involved in a fatal crash, with multiple casualties, including four sisters. Other reported incidents have involved vehicles losing control while negotiating the bridge and its approaches.