Karuma and Ayago Bridges along the Kampala–Gulu highway have been closed for repairs starting Monday, March 24, 2025.
The temporary closure will allow for the installation of expansion joints, a critical maintenance effort aimed at preserving the structural integrity of the bridges.
According to Works Ministry Information Officer Allan Ssempebwa, the closure is expected to last at least three weeks.
Ssempebwa said ongoing work on Karuma Bridge had temporarily been suspended to allow for work on the Masindi ferry, which would help with the diversion.
With the ferry now operational, the ministry has urged travelers to adjust their plans accordingly.
During the closure, motorists traveling from Kampala to Gulu or West Nile are advised to use the Luwero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park)-Pakwach route or travel via Olwiyo to Gulu. For those heading from Kampala to Lira, the recommended route is through Iganga, Nakalama, Tirinyi, Pallisa, Kumi, Soroti, and Lira.
Karuma Bridge was first closed to traffic in May 2024 due to critical structural defects. It was later reopened on December 20, 2024, after undergoing three months of major repairs on its deck and bearings, which had been severely worn out.
Now, the Ministry of Works and Transport has scheduled further repairs.
