The repair of the Karuma Bridge on the Kampala-Gulu highway in Kiryandongo district is about to begin, with the government handing over the site to the contractor.
The repair works were flagged off by state minister Musa Ecweru after the site handover.
The 61-year-old bridge over the River Nile, closed to heavy traffic in May due to defects, connects several regions and neighboring countries.
China Railways Seven Band and the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) were awarded the repair contract.
Ecweru announced the commencement of the repairs, emphasizing the risk posed by the bridge and urging public patience for the next three months.
The project, costing sh7 billion, followed a report to the Cabinet and immediate fund allocation by President Museveni.
The government carefully selected a competent firm due to the bridge’s strategic importance.
Post-repair, the bridge is expected to handle traffic for 10 to 15 years. Plans for a new bridge at Karuma, supported by JICA, are underway.
Additional bridges are planned to connect Masindi Port to Apac and Adjumani to Moyo.
Ecweru stressed the importance of these bridges for regional trade and movement and assured quality and timely supervision of the repairs.
Eng Brian Boanda from NEC outlined the repair process, including testing and replacing the bridge’s bearings.
Traffic accommodations and potential closures during repairs were also discussed.
Local MP John Amos Okot thanked the government and urged public patience during the repair works.
