New Karuma Bridge Construction Begins As Uganda Embarks On Major Infrastructure Project

By Uganda Today Staff Reporter

The Government of Uganda has commenced construction of the New Karuma Bridge, marking a significant milestone in efforts to modernise the country’s transport infrastructure and improve road safety along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.

The Ministry of Works and Transport announced that construction works officially commenced on October 1, 2026, with Japanese engineering firm Zenitaka Corporation undertaking the project.

According to the Ministry’s Senior Public Relations Officer Emmanuel AineBwona, the contractor is currently mobilising equipment and personnel while undertaking setting-out works in preparation for the main construction activities.

The project is being supervised by Oriental Consultants Global, which has been appointed as the engineering consultant.

The construction is expected to take 36 months, with the Ministry reaffirming its commitment to delivering a resilient, safe and modern bridge that will serve Uganda and the wider East African region.

 A Strategic Bridge For Uganda’s Northern Corridor

The New Karuma Bridge is a critical infrastructure investment along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, one of Uganda’s major transport routes connecting the central region to Northern Uganda and neighbouring countries.

Located across the Victoria Nile, the Karuma crossing plays a strategic role in the movement of passengers, goods and commercial vehicles between Kampala, Northern Uganda, South Sudan and other parts of the region.

The bridge is also an important link along the Northern Corridor, which connects the East African hinterland to the Port of Mombasa in Kenya.

Replacing An Ageing Infrastructure Landmark

The existing Karuma Bridge was constructed in the early 1960s and has served Uganda’s transport network for more than six decades.

However, the ageing structure has experienced significant safety and maintenance challenges over the years, prompting repeated rehabilitation works and temporary traffic disruptions.

In 2024, the bridge was closed for emergency repairs after cracks developed in its structural components, raising concerns about its safety.

The bridge was subsequently reopened to traffic in April 2025 following rehabilitation works.

Despite the restoration, the Government maintained plans to construct a modern replacement bridge to address long-term safety concerns and accommodate the growing demands of road transport.

The new project is expected to provide a more durable and efficient crossing, reducing the risks associated with the ageing infrastructure.

 Zenitaka Corporation, a Japanese construction company, was awarded the contract to undertake the civil works for the New Karuma Bridge.

The contract was signed in Tokyo on July 10, 2026, following the Government’s procurement process.

The company previously participated in the construction of the New Nile Bridge in Jinja, another major infrastructure project supported by Japanese development assistance.

Oriental Consultants Global, also from Japan, is responsible for consultancy and engineering supervision.

The project forms part of the longstanding infrastructure cooperation between Uganda and Japan, with the Japanese Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) supporting major transport development initiatives in Uganda.

The partnership is expected to contribute to the delivery of a bridge that meets modern engineering and safety standards.

Three-Year Construction Timeline

According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the New Karuma Bridge project has a contract period of 36 months.

With construction commencing on October 1, 2026, the project is expected to be completed around September 2029, subject to the implementation schedule and any adjustments that may arise during construction.

The current phase involves contractor mobilisation and setting-out works, which are essential preparatory activities before major construction operations begin.

The Ministry has expressed confidence in the project’s implementation and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the bridge is delivered safely and to the required standards.

Improved Safety, Trade And Regional Connectivity

The construction of the New Karuma Bridge is expected to deliver significant benefits to road users, businesses and communities that depend on the Kampala–Gulu transport corridor.

A modern bridge will improve the movement of heavy commercial vehicles, reduce transport disruptions and enhance the reliability of journeys between central and northern Uganda.

The project is also expected to support economic activity in the surrounding districts by improving access to markets, public services and investment opportunities.

For regional traders, particularly those transporting goods to and from South Sudan, the new bridge could strengthen the efficiency of cross-border trade and reduce the risks associated with infrastructure-related delays.

The project also carries tourism significance, given Karuma’s location along a major route to Northern Uganda and the wider Murchison Falls tourism region.

Government Reaffirms Commitment To Infrastructure Development

The Ministry of Works and Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a resilient and safe bridge that will serve the country for generations.

The commencement of construction marks an important step in Uganda’s efforts to replace ageing transport infrastructure with modern facilities capable of supporting economic growth and regional integration.

As construction progresses, motorists and other road users are expected to receive further guidance from the Ministry regarding traffic management arrangements and any changes that may affect movement around the project area.

The New Karuma Bridge is expected to become another landmark infrastructure investment, complementing other major transport projects undertaken by Uganda in partnership with international development partners.