Uganda has commissioned the reconstructed Katonga Bridge, restoring a critical transport link along the Masaka Road corridor following its destruction by floods in 2023.
The Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Byamukama, commissioned the bridge alongside Suzan Nakawuki, the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and Woman Representative for Mawokota South.
The bridge reconstruction forms part of the UGX 191 billion Katonga Corridor project, which also covers road sections at Katonga, measuring 2.7 kilometres; Kalandazi, at 1.6 kilometres; and Lwera, spanning 11.6 kilometres.
The rebuilt bridge has been raised to improve its resilience to flooding, addressing a major vulnerability exposed by the 2023 floods. Its projected design life is 120 years, underscoring the emphasis on long-term durability in the reconstruction.
The commissioning marks an important step in restoring transport infrastructure along one of Uganda’s key road corridors, which connects Kampala to Masaka and other destinations in southwestern Uganda.
The bridge’s destruction in 2023 disrupted movement along the route, highlighting the risks that extreme weather events pose to transport infrastructure and the movement of people and goods.
Following the commissioning, the works minister urged motorists to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations and prioritise road safety while travelling along the Masaka Road corridor.
The reconstruction also highlights the importance of designing transport infrastructure to withstand flooding, particularly along routes vulnerable to extreme weather.
With the bridge now commissioned, attention turns to its safe use and the continued improvement of the wider Katonga Corridor, whose road sections are included in the broader infrastructure project.
