Motorists face new rules as Karuma bridge closure diverts traffic through Murchison falls

As Uganda prepares for the temporary closure of Karuma Bridge for critical repairs, motorists will face new guidelines for transiting through Murchison Falls National Park.

This is a detour necessitated by the bridge’s three-month closure starting next Monday.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has issued these directives to manage the increased traffic while maintaining the integrity of the park’s ecosystem.

The Karuma Bridge, a key connection point on the Kampala-Gulu highway, developed cracks that require immediate attention.

According to the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, the bridge will be closed for repairs for three months.

“This is a critical infrastructure, and the repairs are necessary to ensure the safety of all road users,” Gen. Katumba said, emphasizing the importance of the project.

In response, UWA has implemented strict regulations for vehicles that will now transit through the national park, which offers one of Uganda’s most treasured wildlife experiences.

Bashir Hangi, UWA’s Communications Manager, outlined the new measures in a statement, including a significant change—no entry fees will be charged for vehicles passing through Tangi and Bugungu gates via Buliisa Town Council during the bridge closure.

This will be in effect until December 31, 2024, when the repairs are expected to be completed.

“This is a special arrangement to accommodate the increased traffic flow due to the Karuma Bridge closure,” Hangi explained.

However, he noted that the Kichumbanyobo gate, which is primarily reserved for tourists visiting Murchison Falls National Park, will continue to require park entrance fees for all vehicles using that route, in line with UWA’s tariff system.

This distinction highlights the need to balance tourism revenue with logistical challenges caused by the bridge’s repair.

Motorists are being advised to carefully plan their journeys, as access to the park will be restricted to specific hours—opening from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.

Hangi stressed the importance of time management, warning that late arrivals may find themselves stranded outside the park’s gates.

“We urge all motorists to ensure their travel is well-coordinated to avoid inconveniences, as the park will not be open outside these hours,” he cautioned.

Littering inside the park has also become a focal concern for UWA. Hangi emphasized that bus operators, in particular, should ensure their passengers understand the importance of keeping the park clean.

“Any form of littering will result in penalties, with a fine of UGX 100,000 per incident imposed on drivers. We are serious about maintaining the cleanliness of this natural habitat,” he said.

Stopping within the park, except in emergencies, is strictly prohibited to prevent interference with wildlife.

Additionally, UWA recommended alternate routes for motorists traveling to northern Uganda, including using ferries via Luwero, Nakasongola, and Masindi Port. Other longer routes, such as Iganga—Nakalama—Tirinyi—Pallisa—Kumi—Soroti—Lira, are also suggested as viable options to bypass the park and reduce congestion.

The guidelines reflect UWA’s dual objective of minimizing disruption to travelers while protecting Murchison Falls National Park’s environment and wildlife.

With an influx of vehicles expected over the next three months, the park’s fragile ecosystem could face increased pressure, prompting the need for these precautionary measures.

As traffic reroutes through one of Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations, it’s clear that balancing infrastructure repair with environmental conservation remains a delicate task.

Whether passing through for work or leisure, motorists must adhere to the new rules to ensure the park remains pristine while the vital repairs on Karuma Bridge proceed.