Karuma Bridge: UWA issues guidelines for Murchison Falls route

All vehicles entering Murchison Falls National Park will be required to pay an entrance fee, except for those specifically prohibited from using the Karuma Bridge as per the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) directive, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has said.

All vehicles must also adhere to the park time, that is, travel from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, there will be no hooting within the park, speed limits must be followed, and there will be no stopping.

These are among the raft of measures UWA, the government agency that manages and protects wildlife in Uganda, released on Sunday, May 5, for motorists that will use the Murchison Falls National Park, after Karuma Bridge was closed to lorries, trailers, and buses on May 5, 2024, due to cracks.

Bashir Hangi, UWA manager communication and public relations in a statement requested all motorists to cooperate by adhering to the regulations they had released.

“We draw the attention of the public to the recent announcement by Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) regarding the closure of Karuma bridge to lorries, trailers, and buses. In light of this development, we would like to offer guidance on utilising the alternative route through Murchison Falls National Park,” Hangi stated.

He said as custodians of this natural treasure, UWA emphasises the importance of adhering to regulations for both the safety of persons and the preservation of wildlife.

“Entrance Fees: Please note that all vehicles entering Murchison Falls National Park will be required to pay an entrance fee, except for those specifically prohibited from using the Karuma bridge as per UNRA’s directive (lorries, trailers, and buses)," Hangi said.

The road that leads through Murchison Falls National Park. Photo by Julius Luwemba

He also noted that they had restricted time and that all motorists would have to adhere to the park hours. “The park operates from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. We urge all motorists to plan their journeys accordingly to ensure compliance with these timings. No exceptions will be made in respect to park opening and closing hours.”

On speed limits, Hangi said, “We urge all motorists to strictly adhere to designated speed limits of 40 Km/h within the park. Failure to comply with the speed limit will attract immediate fines or penalties on the motorists.”

Motorists were also cautioned on littering with UWA saying that, “It is imperative that all visitors refrain from littering within the park premises. Bus operators are specifically reminded to educate passengers on the importance of keeping the park clean. Failure to prevent littering will result in penalties imposed on the operator.”

There will also be no stopping within the park. “To ensure the safety of both wildlife and visitors, unnecessary stops within the park are strictly prohibited. However, stops for emergency situations are permitted.”

UWA statement said there were restricted driving areas. “Please note that all vehicles, except authorized tourist vehicles, are not allowed to deviate from the designated Kichumbanyobo-Tangi road. Any unauthorised diversions will be considered entry without a valid permit and will be penalised accordingly.”

Motorists were also warned against hooting within the park and feeding animals. “No Hooting and No Feeding Animals: We remind all visitors that hooting and feeding animals within the park are strictly prohibited.”

The statement noted that “UWA is committed to safeguarding the natural beauty and biodiversity of Murchison Falls National Park, as well as to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.”

A team of engineers visited Karuma Bridge to assess the extent of damage to the bridge on Saturday. Photo by Hudson Apunyo

On Friday, UNRA announced the closure of the 61-year-old bridge to lorries, trailers and buses travelling along the Kampala-Gulu highway. UNRA noted that the heavy vehicles would be diverted to alternative routes due to the closure of Karuma Bridge for its rehabilitation works.

A day later, a team of engineers selected from various international construction firms visited the bridge to assess the extent of the damage.

The Karuma Bridge which links to northern Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, was temporarily closed and heavy vehicles were banned from using it after experts deployed by UNRA discovered cracks beneath.

“UNRA wishes to inform road users that following the ongoing condition assessment of the Karuma Bridge, it has been established that some elements of the bridge structure (the concrete deck) have deteriorated particularly on the Kampala approach lane,” reads part of the UWA statement dated May 3, 2024.

“The continued exposure of the bridge to the ever-increasing heavy traffic is likely to accelerate its deterioration and serviceability, if not addressed in time. This will require urgent intervention; as such, UNRA has commenced the process of identifying a competent contractor who will undertake the restoration of the bridge structure as quickly as possible,” the statement added.

During this period, which is expected to take up to three months, the Roads Authority says only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 occupants will be allowed to use the bridge, starting Monday, May 6, 2024, when the directive comes into play.

“Given the above, Karuma Bridge will be closed to all lorries, trailers and buses from Monday 06th May 2024. Only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 passengers will be allowed to use the bridge. We anticipate that this intervention will be completed in 03 months,” the statement further reads.

UNRA advised motorists from Kampala heading to Gulu/West Nile to use Luwero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo and the same applied to motorists who were coming from Gulu/West Nile as UNRA plans to rehabilitate the bridge for at least three months.

The current Karuma Bridge was constructed in 1963. Photo by Hudson Apunyo

“Motorists to Lira can also use Iganga – Nakalama – Tirinyi – Pallisa – Kumi – Soroti – Lira and vice versa,” UNRA said.

UNRA noted that the Government of Uganda was currently fast-tracking the process to secure funding for the construction of a new bridge at Karuma as a long-term solution.

“We appreciate that this emergency is an inconvenience to all road users, but we urge you to join us in our efforts to ensure everyone’s safety. Your cooperation during this time will be greatly appreciated.”

The current Karuma Bridge was constructed in 1963, one year after Uganda attained independence from Britain. It’s a narrow, one-carriageway without pedestrian or bicycle lanes and no monitoring equipment.

It has also been a scene of several accidents and there have been so many reported cases of vehicles falling into the bridge and the humans aboard and the wreckages have never been traced.

UNRA was in the process of constructing a new bridge which was supposed to be modelled and look like the New Jinja Bridge.

The feasibility studies and technical designs for the new bridge were concluded and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had indicated interest in the project, although it had not confirmed willingness to fund it.