By KT Reporter
Drivers using the Gulu–Kamdini–Karuma highway are counting losses following the closure of the Kamdini–Karuma section after a bridge suffered further damage. The bridge, located at the Oyam–Nwoya district border, developed an embankment failure two weeks ago, initially allowing only light traffic. However, continuous heavy rains have worsened the damage, widening the embankment failure and affecting more than half of the road carriageway, rendering the section unsafe for all traffic.
On Sunday, Bageya Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Transport, issued a statement warning motorists to avoid the affected area due to further deterioration of the bridge. He advised motorists to use the diversion at the Karuma–Pakwach junction (URA checkpoint), proceed to Olwiyo Trading Centre—about 51 kilometers from Karuma—then turn right and continue through Anaka to Gulu, approximately 62 kilometers.
Bageya said the section has been cordoned off for public safety as the ministry mobilizes for emergency restoration works, although he did not reveal when repairs will begin. The abrupt closure has angered drivers who frequently use the route. Peter Agwe, a driver on the Kiguma–Bwayale–Kamdini stage, said the announcement came without warning, leaving several early-morning drivers stuck and disrupting their operations.
Agwe added that the lack of prior communication could lead to accidents. “It could cause us some accident of not telling drivers that tomorrow we are closing. They didn’t inform us, they decided and closed without informing anyone,” he said.
Agwe, who was scheduled to transport passengers from Lira to Bwayale and Kigumba, said he was unable to proceed because passengers refused to pay the extra 10,000 Shillings added to the usual 20,000-Shillings fare due to the longer route.
Bernard Anyeko Mashanga, a driver and spokesperson for the Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (UTODA) Northern Region, acknowledged the need to fix the road but said the diversion will significantly increase fuel consumption and cause delays.
Anyeko advised drivers heading to Kampala to consider using the Lira–Apac–Rwekunye route via the ferry instead of passing through Gulu City. He noted that this alternative route will push transport costs from 30,000 to at least 40,000 Shillings. He emphasized that the closed section is just as vital to the Lango and Acholi sub-regions as the main Karuma Bridge itself.
He appealed to the government to ensure repairs are completed before Christmas. “I want that now that the road is closed, it should take not more than one month. At least by Christmas time that bridge should have been worked on so that we have normal operation,” he said.
The embankment failure near the bridge—located about one kilometer from the Karuma–Olwiyo/Pakwach junction near the URA checkpoint—was first reported earlier this month. The Ministry of Works and Transport then introduced a diversion for heavy trucks heading to Gulu to prevent further damage while preparing for emergency works. .
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