Karuma Bridge: Trucks diverted to Hoima-Buliisa-Pakwach route

Kampala: On May 6, 2024, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) announced changes in traffic flow at the Karuma Bridge crossing following identified bridge defects that needed urgent intervention.

As a result, lorries, trailers, trucks, and buses from Kampala to Gulu/West Nile were diverted to use Luwero, Kafu, Masindi, and Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo and vice versa from Gulu/West Nile.

However, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) says following wider stakeholder engagements, it has now been resolved that owing to the ecologically sensitive environment along the Masindi-Parra route, all drivers of trailers, lorries, and trucks, except buses, are now advised, effective Friday, May 24, 2024, to use Kafu-Masindi, branch off on the left to use Hoima-Biiso-Buliisa-Paraa road, to connect to Pakwach or Gulu Via Olwiyo, and vice versa.

‘’This alternative route is fully paved and involves a shorter distance of approximately 20 kilometers of travel through Murchison Falls National Park, significantly reducing the impact on wildlife movement and behavior,’’ the statement reads in part.

According to UNRA, this is further intended to protect and conserve Uganda’s rich wildlife heritage.

‘’The Government of Uganda is expediting funding for the construction of a new bridge at Karuma, which will provide a long-term solution to this transportation challenge.’’

The statement further asserts that in the interim, repairs will be initiated on the bridge to ensure smooth and full restoration of traffic until a permanent solution is in place.

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