Parliament demands declaration on Karuma Bridge

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Members of Parliament have called on the government to provide the possible implications of restricted access to the Karuma Bridge, which has been found compromised.

The bridge over the Nile River, which connects North and West Nile with the rest of the country, was found to have cracks, forcing the Uganda National Roads Authority, the government agency in charge of maintaining roads, to restrict its crossing only to passenger vehicles and a limit of 28 passengers.

Members reacting to Chairperson Anita Among’s communication said that the restriction and diversion of traffic will significantly affect commerce, livelihoods and several other aspects that they want the Minister of Works and Transport to explain.

Speaker Among, who chaired the plenary session on Monday, May 6, 2024, urged the Uganda National Highway Authority to expedite the construction work on the bridge.

Members were concerned that alternative routes, such as the road through Murchison National Park, would also restrict trade as it requires users to travel between 7am and 7pm.

“Going through the park is a long journey and there is a charge. This will increase the cost of doing business, especially for those exporting goods across the border,” said Dicksons Kateshumbwa (NRM, Sheema Municipality).

George Bhoka (NRM, Obongi County) said: “The proposed bus fare from Obongi to Kampala will double the cost from Sh50,000 to Sh100,000; “This is prohibitive for the people of West Nile.”

Adjumani District MP Jesca Ababiku claimed to have experienced delays on the bridge and called on the Ministry of Public Works to provide users with the necessary information.

“I used the bridge over the weekend where we were made to wait over an hour and the last time I used the alternative route through the park I was charged a passenger fee. This information is required and no one gives it,” Ababiku said.

Erute County South MP, Hon. Jonathan Odur, expressed concern that the alternative route provided to passengers through Port Masindi is unreliable due to the ferry breakdown. He called on the government to provide an additional ferry and increase the frequency of its sailings.

Several MPs protested that the Karuma Bridge was one of many bridges requiring urgent repair, mindful of anticipated floods and landslides that have already swept away many in some constituencies.

Paulson Luttamaguzi (DP, Nakaseke County South) said two bridges in his constituency had broken, while Richard Lumu (DP, Mityana County South) recounted the ordeal in one of his communities where a bridge was swept away by strong rains.

Parliament called for a clear plan for disaster management in the country.

“Before we find a separate budget for disaster preparedness as requested, the Constitution provides for the Disaster Preparedness and Management Commission to deal with natural and man-made disasters. Where is the commission? asked Opposition Leader Joel Ssenyonyi, who also asked about the disaster management bill the government was contemplating introducing in 2018.

Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees Lillian Aber said the ministry has a disaster risk management plan, but is financially limited to respond to all disasters.

“So far I have received applications from 30 districts. I ask this House for financial support to be able to respond appropriately,” Aber said, adding that “heavy rains are expected to cause potential hazards, there will be disruptions to transportation, some bridges could be washed away and the rains are likely to destroy some institutions.” like schools.”

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SOURCE: Parliament of Uganda