By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Karuma Bridge has today, Friday, 20th December, 2024 reopened to Traffic bringing joy to many motorists that ply the Kampala –Northern Uganda routes five days to Christmas.
The announcement was made by Allan Ssempebwa K, UNRA Communications officer saying the reopening was blessed by Rev. Kimbo Chaplain and Parish Priest, Karuma.
On 16th December, 2024, this publication ran a story indicating that the bridge would be opened to traffic before Christmas.
“Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has given the latest estimated date of reopening the Karuma Bridge.
In a brief statement on its X-Handle today, Monday, 16th December, 2024, UNRA says the bridge shall be opened before 25th December, 2024,” ran our story.
On Monday, September 23, Minister of Works and Transport, Edward Katumba Wamala stopped all traffic over the bridge to enable major refurbishment works.
The bridge, a major gateway to northern Uganda and West Nile and the neighbouring countries in those regions, was earlier partially closed to buses and trailers in May.
Motorists were diverted through three routes with those from Kampala heading to Gulu/West Nile using the Luweero—Kafu—Masindi—Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo and vice versa.
Motorists heading to Lira were urged to use the Rwenkunye—Apac route via Masindi Port Ferry, while those travelling to Lira used Iganga—Nakalama —Tirinyi—Pallisa—Kumi—Soroti—Lira road.
