Uganda to Build a 488.32 Billion New Karuma Bridge with Support from Japan

Uganda has received financial support from Japan to build a new bridge at Karuma. This new bridge will replace the old one and is expected to make transport easier, improve trade, and support economic growth in the country.

The Karuma area lies on the busy Kampala-Gulu highway, which connects Uganda to South Sudan and other parts of East Africa. The current bridge has been in use for many years and is now worn out due to heavy traffic. Transporters have long complained about delays and safety risks caused by the aging bridge.

Project Funding and Timeline

A grant agreement was signed between Uganda’s Minister of Finance and the Japanese Ambassador, giving Uganda JPY 19.988 billion (about UGX 488.32 billion) for the project. The money will be used for the design, building, and supervision of the new Karuma Bridge.

Construction is planned to start in June 2026 and will take around four years. If everything goes as planned, the bridge will be ready by mid-2030.

Isaac Wani, Head of Network Planning and Engineering at the Ministry of Works, said the project is part of plans to improve transportation and safety. The goal is to make it easier to move goods and people across the country.

Boosting the Economy and Jobs

The new bridge is expected to help Uganda’s economy. With better roads and transport links, farmers can get their products to markets faster, and businesses can reduce transport costs. This will also attract new investment to northern Uganda.

During the construction period, many job opportunities will be created. Local engineers, builders, and suppliers will be involved, which will bring income to communities and support local livelihoods.

Business owners and truck drivers are happy with the plan. They say a strong and modern bridge will reduce delays and improve trade, especially for those involved in cross-border business.

Japan has supported Uganda for many years in building key infrastructure. This latest grant shows Japan’s continued commitment to help Uganda grow and improve its transport systems.

Speaking during the grant signing ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador said: “Japan is dedicated to supporting Uganda’s infrastructure expansion.”

Japanese experts are expected to use advanced technology to ensure the bridge is strong and built to high standards.

Now that funding has been secured, Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport will begin early steps such as environmental studies, final bridge designs, and selecting contractors.

The government has promised to keep everything transparent and to use the funds properly to build quality infrastructure.

As the 2026 construction date gets closer, many Ugandans are hopeful that the project will change the transport system for the better and connect Uganda more strongly with its neighbors.

The Karuma Bridge project is a big step forward in Uganda’s plan to improve roads and support development. With Japan’s help, the country is preparing to build a bridge that will serve future generations and bring long-term benefits to the economy.