Karuma Bridge is getting a massive upgrade, and it’s coming with a 121 billion shilling grant from Japan.
A brand-new Karuma Bridge is set to rise, featuring walkways for pedestrians and a robust design aimed at improving regional connectivity.
Isaac Wani, the Head of Network Planning and Emergency at the Ministry of Works and Transport, revealed that the bridge will stretch 240 meters across the Nile, with an 800-meter access road on the Kiryandongo side.
But as Ugandans celebrate the news, many are skeptical, given the persistent closures and repairs on the current Karuma Bridge.
Wani addressed the concerns, explaining that the ongoing issues were caused by delays in installing expansion joints, which had to be sourced from an international company.
“The company responsible was not in the country when rehabilitation was completed. They are now here, and the contractor is installing the expansion joints,” Wani assured.
He, however, confirmed another three-week closure of the current bridge for this final phase of repairs.
“The installation process will take about a week, but because concrete needs time to set, the closure will last three weeks,” he stated.
The new Karuma Bridge is however expected to be a game-changer, boosting trade and transport along the Northern Corridor, a critical route connecting Uganda to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Sasayama Takuya Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan says the bridge will be built on a completely new alignment, separate from the current bridge, to allow smooth construction.
Takuya says the project is still in its early stages, and Japan must first approve the grant agreement, followed by a procurement process.
“Once that process is completed, groundbreaking is expected to happen in June 2026,” he revealed.
