The Ministry of Works and Transport has confirmed that Karuma and Ayago Bridges on the Kampala–Gulu highway will be closed to traffic starting tomorrow, Monday, March 24, 2025 to allow for repairs.
The closure, set to last three weeks, will facilitate the installation of expansion joints, a crucial step in maintaining the structural integrity of the bridges.
“Karuma and Ayago Bridges on Kampala—Gulu highway will close to all traffic starting Monday, March,24, 2025 for installation of expansion joints as earlier scheduled. The ferries at Masindi Port are now fully repaired, completed sea trials and will be ready to receive diverted traffic on the same day,” the ministry said in a statement on X.
Initially scheduled for March 10, 2025, the closure was postponed to March 17 before being pushed forward again to March 24. The delays were attributed to the need to repair the Masindi ferry, which will serve as an alternative for motorists during the closure.
The maintenance works are expected to last three weeks, with the bridges set to reopen on April 14, 2025.
To ease disruptions, the ministry has confirmed that ferries at Masindi Port have been fully repaired and tested. These ferries will be operational by the time the bridges close, offering an alternative route for motorists and transporters.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has advised road users to take the following alternative routes:
Kampala–Gulu/West Nile, travelers will have to use the Luwero–Kafu–Masindi–Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park)–Pakwach route or access Gulu via Olwiyo. Kampala–Lira, travelers to take the Iganga–Nakalama–Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi–Soroti–Lira route.
Karuma Bridge, which spans Karuma Falls along the Kampala–Gulu highway, was previously closed in May 2024 due to structural defects. After undergoing significant repairs, it was reopened in December 2024.
