Uganda has taken a major step towards replacing the ageing Karuma Bridge after signing the civil works contract for the construction of a new bridge, a project expected to strengthen transport, boost trade and improve regional connectivity along one of the country’s busiest highways.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport, the agreement was signed in Tokyo by Commissioner for National Roads, Eng. Isaac Wani, on behalf of the Government of Uganda, and Osamu Tanabe on behalf of Japanese contractor Zenitaka Corporation.
The project is financed by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reaffirming the long-standing infrastructure partnership between Uganda and Japan.
The project is being implemented under a grant from the Government of Japan through JICA valued at approximately 4.9 billion Yen (about UGX 121 billion).
Zenitaka Corporation, which previously participated in the construction of the Source of the Nile Bridge in Jinja, will undertake the civil works together with project consultants Oriental Consultants Global.
Beyond replacing an ageing bridge, the project is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits for Uganda.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Eng. Wani described the project as a landmark investment in Uganda’s road transport network.
“The project, supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will improve safety, connectivity, trade and regional integration along the Kampala–Gulu corridor,” Wani said.
He thanked the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued support and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to ensuring the project is implemented successfully.
Built in 1963 to connect the capital Kampala to Gulu and provide onward access to South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the structure is an essential route for domestic and regional trade., the bridge has undergone several emergency repairs and temporary closures due to structural deterioration, disrupting the movement of people and goods along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.
Repeated closures of the old Karuma Bridge for repairs have previously forced motorists onto lengthy diversions, increasing fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance costs and delivery times.
Such disruptions have affected businesses, transport companies and ordinary travellers, while delaying the movement of essential goods.
The new bridge is expected to eliminate many of these bottlenecks by providing a safer and more reliable crossing capable of handling increasing traffic volumes.
Reduced travel time and lower vehicle operating costs are expected to improve supply chain efficiency, making Ugandan businesses more competitive and attractive to investors.
Apart from boosting the tourism to the iconic Murchison Falls National Park, the project is also expected to support agriculture by improving market access for farmers in northern Uganda.
Better road connectivity enables agricultural produce to reach urban markets more quickly, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing incomes for farming communities.
