Cross-border transportation between Uganda, South Sudan, and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has received a major boost following the full reopening of Karuma Bridge to heavy-duty vehicles.
After months of limited use due to rehabilitation works, the strategic bridge located in Uganda’s midwestern region is now accessible to all vehicles, including trailers and trucks, which had previously been rerouted to alternative, longer routes.
“Cross-border trailers moving between Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC are now free to use the bridge, which now reduces the distance they were using previously,” said Allan Ssempebwa, Communications Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, in a report.
Originally built in the 1960s, Karuma Bridge underwent major rehabilitation after it was closed in May last year due to structural concerns, report said. It was temporarily reopened in December but only allowed access to light vehicles while critical components were still under repair.
According to Ssempebwa, the bridge’s full reopening followed the successful installation and curing of expansion joints, vital elements that accommodate the bridge’s movement in response to changes in temperature and heavy traffic.
“These are critical components that allow the bridge structure to expand and contract with temperature changes and traffic loads, thereby maintaining its structural integrity and extending its lifespan,” he explained.
The rehabilitation project was carried out through a joint partnership between the Chinese construction company, China Railway Seventh Group, and the Ugandan military.
Ssempebwa commended the Chinese firm for completing the project ahead of schedule, noting, “They did an excellent job and we are satisfied with the quality and timeliness of the work.”
The bridge’s restoration is expected to ease congestion on alternative routes and significantly improve trade and transport efficiency within the East African region.
With the strategic corridor back in full use, the Ministry of Works and Transport believes that not only will regional logistics improve, but local economic activities along the route will also receive a fresh boost.
Meanwhile, the Ugandan government is planning to build another Karuma bridge over the Nile to further ease traffic. The bridge project is to commence next year, report said.
