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New Karuma Bridge

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Coordinates: 02°14′35″N 32°14′22″E / 2.24306°N 32.23944°E / 2.24306; 32.23944
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New Karuma Bridge
Coordinates02°14′35″N 32°14′22″E / 2.24306°N 32.23944°E / 2.24306; 32.23944
New Karuma Bridge
New Karuma Bridge
New Karuma Bridge
New Karuma Bridge (Uganda)
CarriesKampala–Gulu Highway
CrossesVictoria Nile
LocaleKaruma, Uganda to Karuma Falls, Uganda
Official nameSecond Karuma Bridge
Characteristics
DesignCable-stayed bridge
MaterialSteel, concrete
History
Construction start2019 Expected
Opened2032 Expected
Location
Map

The New Karuma Bridge, also referred to as the Second Karuma Bridge, is a proposed bridge in Uganda.[1] It will replace the current Karuma Bridge, which was built in 1963.[2]

Location

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The bridge would be located at Karuma Falls, across the Victoria Nile, immediately west and downstream of the old Karuma Bridge. This is approximately 257 kilometres (160 mi), by road, north of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city.[3] It is located on the Kampala–Gulu Highway, approximately 77 kilometres (48 mi), by road, south of Gulu, the largest city in the Northern Region of Uganda.[4] The coordinates of the New Karuma Bridge are 02°14'35.0"N, 32°14'22.0"E (Latitude:2.243056; Longitude:32.239444).[5]

History

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The current Karuma Bridge (the old bridge) was constructed in 1963, one year after Uganda attained independence from Britain.[1] The old bridge is a narrow, one carriageway (one lane in each direction), without pedestrian or bicycle lanes and no monitoring equipment.[2] The bridge has been the site of several major accidents.[6][7][8][9]

The proposed new bridge would be modeled after the New Jinja Bridge in the Eastern Region of Uganda. A suspended cable bridge, with bicycle/motorcycle lanes is being considered. The feasibility studies and technical designs for the new bridge have been concluded. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has indicated interest in the project, although it has not confirmed willingness to fund it.[1]

Construction

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Construction commencement is contingent on securing a government down-payment and development partner counter-funding.[10] As of October 2020, according to the New Vision newspaper, the government of Japan, through JICA, was evaluating the possibility of funding the construction of the New Karuma Bridge.[11] That evaluation process was still ongoing as of April 2024.[12]

Construction costs

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In 2017, NBS Television reported that the estimated cost of the new bridge was in excess of US$100 million.[13]

Developments

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In April 2024 the New Vision newspaper reported that the design of the new bridge was ongoing and would conclude in 2026. Construction was expected to commence in 2029. Oriental Consultants Global and Prome Consultants Limited are responsible for the execution of the environmental and social impact studies.[12]

In October 2024 high ranking JICA officials, held discussions with a Uganda government delegation led by Fred Byamukama, the state minister for transport, to fast-track the construction of the new Karuma Bridge. The new bridge will be elevated and straightened out to eliminate sharp curves. The construction price estimate as of October 2024 is Shs550 billion ($150 million).[14][15]

See also

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Photos

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Frederick Musisi (4 October 2018). "Japan wants to fund Karuma bridge". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  2. ^ a b Solomon Oleny (12 February 2013). "The Jinx And Mysteries of Karuma Bridge". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  3. ^ "Road Distance Between Kampala, Uganda and New Karuma Bridge, Uganda" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  4. ^ "Road Distance Between Gulu, Uganda And New Karuma Bridge, Uganda" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  5. ^ "Location of New Karuma Bridge, Uganda" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  6. ^ Kenneth Kazibwe (10 July 2017). "Karuma Bridge: Search for Drowned Bodies, Truck Still On". ChimpReports Uganda. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  7. ^ Saidi Engola and Hudson Apunyo (30 July 2018). "Traffic at Karuma Bridge blocked for hours". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  8. ^ Julius Ocungi (30 July 2018). "Truck blocks traffic at busy Karuma Bridge". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  9. ^ Mike Opio (20 June 2023). "Two feared dead as truck plunges into River Nile". The Kampala Report. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  10. ^ Ventures Africa Quoting AllAfrica.com (5 October 2018). "Japan May Finance The Construction of Uganda's Karuma Bridge". Ventures Africa. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  11. ^ Eddie Ssejjoba (15 October 2020). "Japan to fund construction of Kibuye–Busega Expressway". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  12. ^ a b Saidi Engola and Hudson Opunyo (12 April 2024). "Construction of New Karuma Bridge To Start 2019". New Vision. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  13. ^ Nabaasa, Innocent (25 July 2017). "UNRA to Construct Karuma Bridge" (Video). Kampala: NBS Television Uganda via Youtube.com. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  14. ^ Pedson Mumbere (18 October 2024). "Japan Steps Up to Replace Tired Karuma Bridge". Nile Post Uganda. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  15. ^ ChimpReports (18 October 2024). "Japan, Uganda Move to Expedite Construction of New Karuma Bridge". ChimpReports. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
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