Karuma Bridge has reopened to traffic after a three-month closure for extensive rehabilitation. The bridge, along with Karuma Road, underwent critical repairs to restore its structural integrity.
State Minister for Works, Musa Ecweru, officially reopened the bridge on Friday, December 20, 2024. However, Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, clarified during a plenary session that only light vehicles and buses are currently permitted to use the bridge, with heavy trucks required to wait until repairs are fully completed.
“I am pleased to inform Parliament that Karuma Bridge will reopen tomorrow by 6:00 am for light vehicles and buses. This will allow travelers to use the bridge before Christmas, while we finalize the remaining repairs for heavy trucks,” Katumba announced.
The bridge was initially closed in April and again on September 23, 2024, following an inspection by Gen. Katumba. The inspection revealed critical issues, including worn-out bearings and cracked expansion joints.
The rehabilitation work was carried out by the China Railway Seventh Group in partnership with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC).