KAMPALA, Uganda — Motorists traveling along the Kampala-Gulu highway will face a 300-mile detour after the Karuma and Ayago bridges closed Monday for emergency repairs.
The Ministry of Works and Transport announced the closure, citing the need to install expansion joints on the bridges. The ministry had previously announced the closure, but it had been postponed twice.
According to the ministry, the closure will affect motorists traveling between Kampala and Gulu/West Nile, who will need to take a route via Luwero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park)-Pakwach. Those traveling between Kampala and Lira will need to take a detour via Iganga-Nakalama-Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi-Soroti-Lira.
The ministry said ferries at Masindi Port, which were recently repaired and tested, will provide an alternative route for motorists.
The closure is expected to last for three weeks, with the bridges set to reopen on April 14.
“We regret the inconvenience caused,” the ministry said in a statement. “Please plan your journey accordingly.”
The Karuma Bridge, located along the Kampala-Gulu highway at Karuma Falls, was initially closed in May 2024 due to critical structural defects. After undergoing extensive repairs, it was reopened in December 2024.
