Police to set up checkpoints at Karuma to curb accidents

Kiryandongo: Police from both the Albertine North Region and Aswa West Region have announced plans to establish checkpoints at Karuma Bridge along the Kampala–Gulu Highway to curb the increasing number of accidents in the area.

Karuma Bridge, which crosses the River Nile at Karuma, has claimed dozens of lives over the years, largely due to reckless driving and speeding.

Police say checkpoints will be set up on both sides of the river to regulate vehicle speed and enforce traffic rules.

The resolution was reached during a joint meeting held on Thursday at the bridge, bringing together officials from the Uganda Police Force, the Ministry of Works and Transport among other stakeholders.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Works was tasked with improving road signposts and guardrails around the bridge and intensifying enforcement against vehicle overloading.

According to Norman Musinga, the Acting Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety, the design of the road approaching the Karuma Dam contributes significantly to accidents.

Musinga explained that the road has several sharp corners and that many vehicles approach the area at high speed while overloaded, which often leads to vehicles overturning.

He also attributed the accidents to the narrowness of the road and said the planned checkpoints will help regulate vehicle speed on both ends of the bridge.

Musinga further blamed some officials from the Works Ministry for allegedly allowing overloaded trucks to use the road. He noted that many vehicles that end up plunging into the river are overloaded.

He cited a recent incident in which a truck that plunged into the river two days ago was carrying about 60 tonnes of cargo despite having a capacity of 38 tonnes.

Musinga also raised concerns about the weak and short barriers installed on the bridge. He said that when vehicles hit the barriers, they easily break through and plunge into the river.

He therefore urged the Works Ministry to install taller and stronger barriers that can prevent vehicles from falling into the river.

He also proposed strengthening security, especially on the Nwoya District side, to protect officers who will be working at night from possible attacks by wild animals.

The meeting brought together police officials from Nwoya District and Kiryandongo District, including the Regional Police Commander for Aswa West, Fredrick Ahimbisibwe, and the Regional Police Commander for Albertine North, Damali Nachuha, alongside other traffic officers.

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