Government has commenced construction of a new Shs102.7 billion ($24 million) Karuma Bridge to replace the ageing 1963 structure, in a project expected to improve road safety, ease traffic congestion and strengthen regional trade along the Northern Corridor.
The project, being implemented by the Ministry of Works and Transport, is funded through a $24 million grant (approximately Shs102.7 billion) from the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The construction contract has been awarded to Japanese firm Zenitaka Corporation, with works expected to take 36 months to complete.
The new bridge is expected to address longstanding safety concerns associated with the existing structure, particularly the sharp S-bends along its approach roads, which pose significant risks to motorists, especially drivers of heavily loaded commercial trucks.
Karuma Bridge is a strategic transport link along the Northern Corridor, carrying substantial commercial traffic transporting goods to and from Kenya, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
Despite previous repairs to the existing bridge, its narrow two-lane design and sharp curves along the approaches have continued to expose motorists to accidents while slowing traffic movement.
The new structure will feature straighter approach roads, enabling motorists to navigate the section more safely while improving the movement of goods and passengers across the region.
Designed as a cable-stayed bridge, the new structure will stand at a higher elevation and have a total span of 245 metres, comprising three sections measuring 45 metres, 120 metres and 80 metres respectively.
It will be 11.5 metres wide, featuring a seven-metre carriageway for vehicles and two-metre-wide pedestrian walkways on either side.
The existing bridge will remain operational throughout the construction period and will not be demolished or closed once the new structure is completed.
Instead, it will be retained for emergency and auxiliary traffic, as well as tourism purposes, preserving its historical significance.
Upon completion, the new Karuma Bridge is expected to provide a safer and more reliable crossing for motorists while strengthening Uganda’s transport infrastructure and supporting the growing demand for regional trade and connectivity.
