Works Minister, Gen. Gen Wamala says there maybe a need to close the Karuma Bridge again to conclude works that will allow use by heavy vehicles.

The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, has revealed that an ongoing technical assessment will determine whether Karuma Bridge should be closed again to facilitate essential repairs. The objective of the repairs is to strengthen the bridge and enable it to safely accommodate heavy trucks.

While appearing before Parliament’s Budget Committee, where he was summoned to update legislators on the transition following the dissolution of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and the Uganda Road Fund (URF), Katumba explained that a final decision on the closure would be made based on expert findings.

"The technical team is still conducting examinations to determine whether they can fix the expansion joints while allowing vehicles to continue crossing, or if it will require temporary closure for a few days. Once the assessment is complete, we will communicate accordingly," Katumba stated.

The potential closure of Karuma Bridge is a matter of national concern, as the bridge serves as a critical transport link between northern and central Uganda. The government has assured the public that any decision taken will prioritize safety while minimizing disruption to transport and trade.