The Ministry of Works and Transport has again announced an extension of the closure of Karuma Bridge for another seven days.
“This is to inform the general public that the closure of Karuma and Ayago Bridges has been extended to Monday, 24th March 2025,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
According to the ministry, the extension is meant to allow for the completion of ongoing repairs on the Masindi Port Ferry, which serves as one of the designated alternative routes for motorists.
Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala initially announced that the two bridges connecting central Uganda to the northern region would be closed to all traffic from March 10 to March 31, 2025, to facilitate the installation of expansion joints.
However, the closure was later extended to March 17, 2025, and has now been further extended to March 21, 2025.
The ministry however reiterated that once the bridges are closed, they will remain inaccessible to all traffic.
“On closure, Karuma and Ayago Bridges will remain inaccessible to all traffic to facilitate the installation of expansion joints as earlier scheduled.”
The bridges are expected to reopen on Monday, April 14, 2025.
In light of the closure, the ministry has provided alternative routes for motorists. Travelers from Kampala heading to Gulu or West Nile are advised to use the Luwero–Kafu–Masindi–Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park)–Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo route (and vice versa).
Meanwhile, those traveling from Kampala to Lira should take the Iganga–Nakalama–Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi–Soroti–Lira route (and vice versa).