The Ministry of Works and Transport has extended the closure of Karuma and Ayago bridges by an additional week, now set to begin on March 17, 2025.
Originally scheduled from March 10 to March 31, 2025, the closure has been delayed to allow the government to finalize repairs on the Masindi Port Ferry, a key alternative route for motorists.
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Speaking to The Monitor on March 9, 2025, Allan Ssempebwa, a spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized the importance of ensuring the ferry is fully operational before proceeding with bridge repairs to manage the expected traffic.
As a result, the bridges will now reopen on April 7, 2025, a week later than the initial plan. The closure aims to facilitate the installation of expansion joints, a crucial step to restore access for heavy trucks, including trailers.
This marks the second closure of the bridges in recent months. They were previously shut down on September 23, 2024, for major repairs and partially reopened for light vehicles on December 20, 2024. However, heavy trucks remain banned from crossing.
During the closure, alternative routes have been provided. Motorists traveling to West Nile are advised to use the Kafu-Masindi-Paara (Murchison Falls National Park) to Pakwach-Gulu via Olwiyo. Those traveling from Lira to Kampala should use the Iganga-Nakalama-Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi-Soroti-Lira route or the Rwenkunye-Apac route via the Masindi Port Ferry.
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