The current bridge developed cracks in April 2024.
Parliament has learned that the construction of a new bridge at Karuma is expected to start in September 2026, following the closure of Karuma Bridge in April 2024, in order to undertake repair works to salvage the cracks that had developed after being in use for over 62 years, despite the initial lifespan of 50 years at the time of its construction in 1962.
The revelation was made by Tony Awany (Nwoya County) while presenting a report on the status of transport infrastructure in Northern Uganda during the first regional Parliamentary sitting in Gulu.
Awany explained, “The Committee was informed by UNRA of plans to construct a new bridge over the Nile at Karuma. The commencement date for the new bridge is expected to be September 2026, after feasibility studies are completed. The current Karuma Bridge was constructed in 1962 with a design life span of 50 years. The ongoing repair works are expected to increase the service life of the bridge by a further 2–5 years. Therefore, it is imperative that the government consider a long-term solution to the movement of traffic at Karuma, and construction of the new bridge is ideal.”
“The Committee recommends that UNRA should expedite the completion of necessary processes, including feasibility studies, designs, acquisition of land, and sourcing of funding, in order to ensure that construction of a new bridge at Karuma can commence as planned in September 2026,’ added Awany.
