The government of Uganda has signed a contract for the construction of the new Karuma Bridge, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve the country’s transport infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The agreement was signed by Isaac Wani, Commissioner for National Roads at the Ministry of Works and Transport, on behalf of the Government of Uganda, and Osamu Tanabe on behalf of Zenitaka Corporation, the main contractor for the project.
The signing followed the issuance of the Notice of Award by the Ministry of Works and Transport to Zenitaka Corporation after it emerged as the most responsive and successful bidder for the civil works.
The ceremony was witnessed by Pius Perry Biribonwoha, Solicitor General of the Republic of Uganda, and Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, Tophace Kaahwa. The Uganda Embassy in Tokyo facilitated the event and coordinated engagements between Ugandan officials and their Japanese counterparts.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wani underscored the strategic importance of the new Karuma Bridge in restoring safe and efficient movement along the Kampala-Gulu Highway.
He said the bridge will strengthen regional connectivity, promote trade and investment, improve access to essential services, and enhance the resilience of Uganda’s national transport network.
Wani also expressed appreciation to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Japan for their continued support through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Grant Aid Programme, which has financed several key infrastructure projects, including the new Karuma Bridge.
He reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to providing the necessary institutional support to ensure the timely and successful implementation of the project.
In her remarks, Ambassador Kaahwa described Japan’s support as a reflection of the strong and cordial bilateral relations between Uganda and Japan.
She emphasised the need to further strengthen the partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Zenitaka Corporation and Oriental Consultants Global, the project consultants, reaffirmed their commitment to delivering the project successfully.
Zenitaka, which previously constructed the Jinja Nile Bridge under Japanese funding, pledged to build the new Karuma Bridge to the highest engineering standards and complete it within the agreed timeline.
The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for September 2026, with civil construction expected to commence in October 2026.
Once completed, the new Karuma Bridge will replace the ageing existing structure and is expected to improve transport and trade links between Northern Uganda, South Sudan and the wider East African region.
