New Katonga Bridge Construction to Begin in October

The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, announced that the construction of a new bridge at the River Katonga along the Kampala-Masaka Highway will commence in October this year. This announcement was made in response to a query from Kashari North County Member of Parliament, Basil Bataringaya, during a plenary session on Tuesday, July 23.

Bataringaya expressed concern over the abandoned repairs on the existing bridge and urged the minister to provide a timeline for the restoration of this crucial trade route.

“Last year, the Katonga bridge was swept away and closed for more than six months. Temporary measures were taken to repair this bridge, and traffic was channeled through the long Sembabule road, which was inconvenient for traders in terms of money and time,” said Bataringaya. He proposed the creation of a shorter alternative route, suggesting the Villa Maria-Kalungu-Masaka Road.

Katumba Wamala explained that the bridge was compromised due to meteorological changes affecting the river's behaviour. "We had to study the meteorological behaviours of that river so that we can make a new structure which is resilient and will stand the test of time. We could not rush into establishing more or less the same bridge which had been compromised," he said.

The minister also revealed that the contractor will address challenges within the Kalandazi and Lwera swamps to ensure the road section meets the demands of heavy truck traffic. He urged road users along the Kampala-Masaka Highway to be patient during the construction period.

“I want us to understand these structures are not simple to build. If we rush and the structure fails in a few years, it will be this same House holding us accountable. This is a very sensitive structure and must be done with all the caution and detail it deserves,” said Katumba Wamala.

In May 2023, the Katonga bridge was destroyed by flash floods, prompting the Government to divert heavy trucks to the Mpigi-Sembabule-Masaka Road.