KAMPALA, Uganda – July 13, 2026 – The Ugandan government Signs Landmark Deal with Japan to Construct a New Karuma Bridge, marking a major step toward improving one of the country’s most strategic transport corridors. The agreement, signed on July 10, is expected to enhance road safety, reduce travel disruptions and also strengthen regional trade along the vital Kampala – Gulu highway.
The new bridge is expected to provide a safer and more durable crossing over the Nile while supporting Uganda’s long-term infrastructure development agenda.
the existing Karuma bridge has long served as a critical link between central Uganda and the northern region, connecting travelers, traders, and cargo destined for South Sudan and other neighboring countries. However, years of heavy traffic and structural concerns have prompted the government to pursue a permanent replacement capable of accommodating increasing transport demands. The new bridge is expected to provide a safer and more durable crossing over the Nile while supporting Uganda’s long-term infrastructure development agenda.
speaking during the signing ceremony,government officials described the government project as a significant investment in ugand in ugandas economic future . the brigde isz expected to ease the movwmnet of goods and people, lower transportcosts for businesses and improve access tomarket centres in northernuganda. authoroities also noticed that the project demonstraes thecontinued strengt of dimplomatic and development cooperatiob between uganda and japanmostly in infrastructure and ecoonomic development
Construction is expected to commence after the completion of detailed engineering preparations and procurement processes. Once completed, the new Karuma bridge is anticipated to boost tourism to northern Uganda, facilitate faster emergency response services, and improve connectivity to national parks and commercial centers. Transport experts say the project will play a vital role in supporting Uganda’s Vision 2040 by modernizing transport infrastructure and promoting sustainable development across the country.
