UNRA Halts Sironko-Muyembe Route Due to Nalugugu Bridge Deterioration

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has suspended the Sironko-Muyembe route to protect motorists, following signs of deterioration in the Nalugugu Bridge, which is located just 1 km from Sironko town. 

In a statement, UNRA highlighted the urgency of the situation: "We would like to notify the public that signs of deterioration have been identified on the structural elements of the Nalugugu Bridge, located 1 km from Sironko town along the Sironko—Muyembe Road." The statement further emphasized that all heavy vehicles are now restricted from using the bridge as a "proactive safety measure."

To mitigate risks, UNRA has restricted the road’s usage to only light and passenger vehicles. "Heavy vehicles traveling beyond Sironko are advised to divert to alternate routes, which will be announced shortly," the statement added. The road authority also noted that teams are being mobilized to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the affected section, which will inform both immediate repairs and long-term solutions.

The decision to close the Sironko-Muyembe route comes on the heels of another significant infrastructure closure: the Karuma Bridge, which serves as a vital link between the West Nile, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions, as well as northern DR Congo and South Sudan.

In May, UNRA issued a traffic advisory prohibiting trailer, lorry, and truck drivers from using the route via Murchison Falls National Park to Pakwach or Rwenkunye, where they could take a ferry to cross over Masindi Port. Engineers identified flaws in the Karuma Bridge, prompting authorities to reroute traffic while repairs are underway.

The Karuma Bridge, built in 1963, is currently undergoing much-needed repairs, with the site handed over to China Railways Seventh Group and the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) in July 2024.

The dual closures of these critical infrastructures highlight the importance of ongoing maintenance and investment in Uganda’s road network to ensure the safety and reliability of the country’s transportation system.