Karuma bridge closure: Masindi business operators speak out
He noted that since some passengers are staying overnight, businesses could extend their operating hours to cater to these late-night customers.
Masindi: The temporary closure of the Karuma Bridge has had significant effects on local businesses and transportation.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) announced the closure of the 61-year-old Karuma Bridge due to extensive cracks in the concrete deck.
The closure is expected to last for at least three months.
Business operators along the Masindi-Kigumba road and Masindi-Port road have experienced changes in their income.
Chapatti sellers, like Benard Mweruuka, have seen increased demand due to the diversion of vehicles from the Gulu-Kampala Highway to the route via Murchison Falls National Park.
Ayebale Medinah, however, expressed concern that buses are bypassing their center, resulting in reduced earnings for businesses in the area.
Bashir Umar, a boda boda rider, expected more clients from the diverted buses but has been disappointed by the lack of stopovers.
Only Link Bus, which has an office in the area, makes stopovers, affecting other riders’ income.
Nathan Kiiza, the supervisor of Link Bus Services in Masindi, highlighted that the number of clients has decreased due to the diversion.
He stressed that some buses operate at night, contrary to park guidelines, which prohibit bus access beyond 7 p.m..
Kiiza appealed to the Ministry of Transport to expedite the bridge restoration process to minimize expenses related to fueling the bus.
Cosmas Byaruhanga, the Masindi district LCV Chairman, has appealed to business operators to capitalize on this opportunity, saying it is quite sensible.
He noted that since some passengers are staying overnight, businesses could extend their operating hours to cater to these late-night customers.
Byaruhanga added that restaurants, shops, or entertainment venues that stay open later could attract more business, mostly for passengers who will be spending nights in the town.
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