New Karuma Bridge
# New Karuma Bridge

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

## Location

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. 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. The coordinates of the New Karuma Bridge are 02°14'35.0"N, 32°14'22.0"E (Latitude:2.243056; Longitude:32.239444).

## History

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

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.

## Construction

Construction commencement is contingent on securing a government down-payment and development partner counter-funding. 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.

## Construction costs

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

