KAMPALA — Uganda has taken a major step towards replacing the aging Karuma Bridge after signing the civil works contract for the construction of a new modern bridge along the Kampala-Gulu Highway.
The contract was signed in Japan on Friday, July 10, 2026, between Ugandan and Japanese officials, with the Government of Japan financing the project through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Japanese construction firm Zenitaka Corporation will undertake the works, which are expected to improve road safety, connectivity and trade along one of Uganda’s most important transport corridors.
The Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed the signing, saying the project will be implemented by the Japanese company as part of efforts to upgrade national infrastructure.
Commissioner for National Roads, Eng. Isaac Wani, represented the Acting Permanent Secretary at the signing ceremony and said the new bridge will strengthen the Kampala-Gulu Highway, which links central Uganda to the northern region and neighbouring South Sudan.
The ceremony was attended by Ugandan officials including Ambassador to Japan Tophace Kaahwa, Solicitor General Pius Perry Biribonwoha, Minister Counsellor Nurh Byarufu and Acting Head of Commercial Law Elizabeth Zungu Akimpye.
New Bridge to Replace 1963 Structure
The new Karuma Bridge will replace the existing bridge built in 1963, which has faced increasing pressure due to rising traffic volumes and structural concerns.
The old bridge has undergone several repairs and has been temporarily closed on different occasions, disrupting movement of passengers and goods between central and northern Uganda.
According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the new structure will be a 240-metre elevated cable-stayed bridgeconstructed about 12 metres above the existing crossing.
The new design will eliminate sharp bends on the current bridge, improve traffic flow and support heavier vehicles. Engineers estimate that the bridge will have a lifespan of about 120 years.
Japan Provides Shs121 Billion Support
The contract signing follows a financing agreement reached between Uganda and Japan in March 2026.
Japan committed approximately 4.939 billion Japanese yen, equivalent to about Shs121 billion, to support the project.
Construction is expected to begin after a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for August 2026, with the main works projected to take three to four years.
Upon completion, the new bridge will handle major passenger and regional freight traffic, while the existing Karuma Bridge will remain in use as an alternative crossing for light vehicles and motorcycles.
The project is expected to ease transport challenges, improve road safety and boost regional trade along the Kampala-Gulu Highway, which remains a critical link for Uganda’s economic development.