Karuma Bridge Total Closure Starts Today

The iconic Karuma Bridge, the easiest link connecting the Acholi, West Nile, and Lango regions, will be fully closed to traffic starting today, as urgent repairs begin to address significant structural defects. The bridge’s closure is expected to last approximately three months, with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) overseeing the restoration efforts.

In the tours and travel society, Karuma Bridge is the easiest route to Kidepo Valley National Park. With the closure of the bridge, all travelers ought to readjust their travel plans to suit the name changes by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA)

The decision to close the bridge was announced by Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala, following safety concerns raised during an inspection. UNRA’s engineers identified several issues, including the need for the demolition and replacement of the concrete deck, prompting the immediate commencement of repair work.

Karuma Bridge

The Karuma Bridge route is the shortest route to northern Uganda. In May, buses and trailers were banned from using the bridge due to fears of further damage. These were rerouted to through Murchison fall national park. The full closure, however, marks a turning point in efforts to restore the bridge to full functionality.

For the duration of the closure, alternative routes have been provided to minimize disruption to travelers:

• Kampala to Gulu and West Nile: Travelers can use the Luweero-Kafu-Masindi-Para route, where additional ferry services have been introduced to facilitate water crossings.
• Kampala to Lira: Motorists are advised to take the Rwenkunye-Apac route via the Masindi Port Ferry or the Iganga Nakalama-Tirinyi-Pallisa Kumi-Soroti route.
• To West Nile: The road through Murchison Falls National Park is also available, although certain conditions apply.

Built in 1963, the Karuma Bridge has long been a vital artery for northern Uganda’s trade and transport. However, it has struggled with deteriorating conditions in recent years. The bridge currently lacks pedestrian walkways and modern monitoring equipment, further highlighting the need for the extensive repair work now underway.

With repairs expected to stretch into December, travelers are urged to plan accordingly and stay informed about the status of alternative routes. Authorities are working to minimize inconvenience, while ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of the Karuma Bridge. This closure also leaves a lot of unanswered questions since there is still tension between Uganda Wildlife Authority and UNRA.

Murchison Falls National Park

Recently, when most of the traffic was diverted into Murchison Falls National Park, the park limited all night travel through the park. Due to curfew, what would have been the easiest alternative route places a limitation that cannot be overlooked. On top this, park entrance fees are required when for transit travelers making the journey more costly.

The Murchison Falls National Park speed limit also places a cap on the ease of travel. The highway speed limit in Uganda ranges between 70km and 100km/hr. However when you are driving in Murchison Falls National park, the speed limit is 40km/hr for purposes of wildlife safety. Besides the park entrance, this adds another constraint on traveling through the park.

The best alternative therefore becomes connecting through the Eastern side which is far longer compared to the other options. Jinja high is known for high traffic. It is therefore recommended to consider probably making a stop in Jinja and Sipi falls before proceeding to Kidepo. Then on your way back from Kidepo, you can go through Murchison Falls national park at your own pace.