Karuma Bridge closure: Travellers decry long queues, heavy traffic at Masindi Port

Kiryandongo: Travellers using ferries at Masindi Port to cross to Lango Sub Region have raised a concern of enduring long queues and heavy traffic at the port.

Though the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has introduced a second ferry at the Masindi Port crossing to accommodate increased passenger demand during the rehabilitation of Karuma Bridge, travellers stress that two ferries are too small to accommodate the demand at the port.

This additional ferry is complementing the existing one, ensuring uninterrupted transport for travellers heading to Gulu, Lira, and other northern regions.

The travellers are however asking the government for the deployment of a third ferry to decongest traffic at the port.

Brian Nyanzi, Kampala-Gulu taxi driver, suggests that the government should introduce another bigger ferry, stressing that the travellers are few but many vehicles and two ferries aren’t enough.

He also asks the government to lift fees in Murchison Falls National Park to decongest ferries at Masindi Port. ‘’The Uganda Wildlife Authority should also lift fees on motorists using the Murchison Falls National Route to decongest traffic here since they have totally closed Karuma Bridge for rehabilitation,’’ he suggests.

James Senoga, Kampala-West Nile taxi driver, stresses that they are spending a lot of time at the terminal due to the congestion and the capacity of ferries carrying few vehicles and passengers compared to the demand.

Steven Byabagambi, a business operator in Apac district, appeals to the government to add two more ferries to make four since they are spending a lot of time at the terminal due to small ferries.

Adam Mugoya, another driver operating along Nakasongola-Lira, explains that though the government has deployed a second ferry, it’s still small to accommodate demand at the terminal. He says that they are spending a lot of time at the terminal, thus asking for another deployment of another ferry.

According to UNRA spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa, the ferry crossing at Masindi Port takes just 10 minutes and is free of charge.

This move is part of the authority’s broader strategy to prevent potential travel disruptions while Karuma Bridge undergoes critical repair works, scheduled to begin later this year.

Meanwhile, Julius Allan Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, has advised the drivers to use alternative routes for the for the safety of travelers since Karuma Bridge has been totally closed.

Motorists travelling from Kampala along the Gulu highway can access the Masindi Port ferries by turning off at Rwenkunye, approximately 8 kilometers from the port.

The route passes through prominent towns such as Luwero, Nakasongola, and Kafu before reaching Rwenkunye.

The Ministry of Works and Transport totally closed Karuma Bridge on Monday, September 23, 2024, to pave the way for its rehabilitation and advised drivers to use alternative routes.

Transport fares hiked

Bus companies in Kitgum have announced an increase in transport fares following the closure of Karuma Bridge, which connects greater Northern Uganda to the central parts of the country.

According to Charles Okot, Director of Makome Bus Limited, the fare for journeys to Central Uganda has increased by 10,000 shillings, raising the total to 60,000 shillings due to the extended travel distance.

He says all their buses will now take the eastern route via Lira-Soroti-Kumi for trips to Kampala.

Meanwhile, Adodorach Claire, manager of Mega Bus Company Limited, stated that they will take the western route through Murchison Falls National Game Park.

‘’Our fares will also increase by 10,000 shillings, bringing the total to 65,000 shillings; meanwhile, our departure times will remain unchanged,’’ she added.

The Ministry of Works and Transport has indicated that travelers from Kitgum, Pader, Agago, Abim, and Otuke districts can access Kampala via Lira, Apac-Masindi Port, or the eastern route.

Story filed by Innocent Atuganyira, Flavia Ajok, and Robinson Onencan

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