Karuma Bridge closure: Police warn heavy vehicle drivers

KIRYANDONGO – Police have warned heavy trucks and bus drivers against defying directives to stop using the Karuma bridge.

The bridge was on May 6, 2024, closed to heavy vehicles and buses after it emerged that sections of the infrastructure had developed cracks.  

All lorries, trailers, and buses must use alternative routes during the three-month rehabilitation of the bridge.

On May 6th, 2024, Albertine Police region spokesperson Julius Hakiza announced that officers were on the road to ensure the effective implementation of heavy-duty traffic diversions.

 “Automatically, once a directive is issued there will be enforcement and in this case, the directives are clear. Heavy-duty trucks must use alternative routes,” Hakiza said in a phone interview on Monday evening.

He warned that stubborn drivers who would want to force themselves and cross the bridge would be arrested and their vehicles impounded. 

“We urge them to co-operate with us and abide by the directives of UNRA and use the alternative routes until such a time when the work on the bridge is complete and it is reopened,” Hakiza said.

He observed that the motorists might look at it as an inconvenience but they have to abide by it.

Businesses affected in Karuma and Kamdini

Hundreds of business people in Karuma and Kamdini towns are crying foul saying the traffic restriction has started biting them.

Jordan Komakech, a businessman in Karuma town council, said they have started counting losses since the directive stopping trucks, trailers and busses from using the bridge was initiated.

Vendors struggling to sell to passengers in a taxi in Kamdini. Photo by Hudson Apunyo

“It will not take two weeks before all the people running small businesses flee because some are operating on loans,” he said.

Karuma town, which used to be flooded with trailers was on Monday deserted and the town almost empty.

In Kamdini, Oyam district, lorries going from the direction of Lira to Gulu and towards Arua could not be seen.

Roadside vendors in Kamdini, mostly youth and women, are visibly dejected as their source of livelihood has been brought to a halt.

A bus from Gulu dropped off passengers at a security checkpoint located at Arua junction. The passengers then quickly hopped on boda bodas (motorcycles) and crossed Karuma Bridge. On the other side, another bus from the same company was waiting for them and they continued their journey to Kampala.