UNRA orders full closure of Karuma bridge for critical maintenance

6 August 2024, 5:16 pm

By Denis Okello

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced plans to temporarily close Karuma bridge due to a fault in its bearings that may compromise its structural integrity.

In May, State Minister for Works Musa Ecweru launched a rehabilitation project for the bridge, which was expected to take three months.

During this period, heavy vehicles were re-routed, allowing only light vehicles to cross. However, UNRA has now announced a full closure of the bridge to all traffic for three months, starting in two weeks time, following the discovery that four bearings and decks are worn out.

Samuel Muhoozi, Director of Roads and Bridges Development at UNRA, informed Voice of Lango FM that the closure is necessary to carry out essential repair work.

Oyam district chairman Benson Dila stated that a visit to the bridge is planned for tomorrow to gather more details, as they had previously been informed that the rehabilitation would be delayed due to elevated water levels.