The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced that construction of the new Karuma Bridge along the KampalaโGulu Highway is expected to commence within the next few months, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s transport infrastructure development.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry revealed that preparations for the highly anticipated project are in their final stages.
โA new bridge at Karuma. Commencement of works for the new Karuma Bridge, along the Kampala-Gulu Highway is only a few months away.โ
The decision to construct a new bridge follows the deterioration of the 63-year-old Karuma Bridge, which broke down in 2025 and was subsequently closed to allow for repairs. After rehabilitation works, the bridge was reopened to traffic, with the government later confirming plans to replace the aging structure with a modern bridge.
According to the Ministry, the new Karuma Bridge is expected to significantly improve road safety while strengthening trade and economic connectivity across Northern Uganda and the wider East African region.
โThe new bridge will enhance safety and support trade across Northern Uganda and the East African region,โ the Ministry stated.
Karuma Bridge is strategically located along the KampalaโGulu Highway, one of Uganda’s most important transport corridors linking the northern and southern parts of the country. It also serves as a key transit route connecting the coastal ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam to South Sudan, making it a critical gateway for regional trade and movement.
The commencement of construction is expected to pave the way for a safer, more efficient, and reliable transport link that will support economic growth and regional integration for years to come.
