The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among has advised the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to expedite the repairs being done along the Karuma Bridge.
The Speaker who was presiding over the plenary session in Parliament on May 6, 2024, said that this would enable minimisation of delays met by road users during the road works.
“On 3rd May 2024, UNRA issued a public notice on the deterioration of the Karuma Bridge, and effective today, the access to the bridge will be restricted to only passenger vehicles carrying about 28 people, and alternative routes have been provided, and of course, we know what it comes with, the implication of the cost, the delays and all that,” Among said.
“Remedial work on the bridge should be expedited, and a long-term plan for the construction of a more suitable bridge should be developed,” Among added.
Among urged the Government to take necessary measures to protect the affected population.
This followed complaints by Members of Parliament over charges being levied on people who are passing through Murchison Falls National Park which happens to be the alternative route that was provided by UNRA.
Beginning May 6, 2024, due to the condition of the existing Karuma Bridge, UNRA closed the road to Lorries, trailers, and buses. Only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 passengers will be allowed to use the bridge.