The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has officially announced the reopening of the River Katonga bridge along the Kampala-Masaka road to buses. This news comes as a welcome relief for bus operators and commuters who have been inconvenienced since May due to the bridge's closure for repairs.
The bridge had initially collapsed as a result of severe river floods, necessitating extensive repair work by UNRA. During the repair period, buses were not allowed to cross the Katonga section of the road.
However, in a statement released on Monday, UNRA revealed that buses have now been included in the category of vehicles permitted to use the bridge. The statement read, "As a result, the existing bridge has now been opened to all buses in addition to the light vehicles that were earlier permitted to use the section under the precautionary measures that are to be implemented immediately by the contractor (China Communications Construction Ltd) during this time."
This development has been met with relief from bus drivers who had to take a longer detour through the Sembabule alternative route, causing delays and inconveniences for both passengers and operators.
UNRA has emphasized the importance of all road users adhering to the signage and traffic guidelines in place at a safe approach distance to the bridge. Safety remains a top priority during this transition period.
The restoration efforts at the Katonga bridge are ongoing, with the second phase of the restoration works, including the construction of a steel bridge, currently in progress. The completion of these construction works is expected to pave the way for the full restoration of traffic along the Katonga section, allowing for smoother travel experiences for all road users before permanent works commence.
As the bridge reopens to buses, it signals a positive step toward restoring normalcy and improving transportation connectivity in the region, benefitting both commuters and the broader community.
