New bridge construction at River Katonga on Kampala-Masaka Highway set to begin

This announcement was made in response to a national concern raised by Kashari North County MP, Basil Bataringaya, during a plenary session on Tuesday, July 23.

Bataringaya voiced concerns about the abandonment of repairs on the existing bridge and pressed the minister for 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 channelled through the long Sembabule road, which was inconveniencing to traders in terms of money and time,” Bataringaya stated.

He also proposed the creation of a shorter alternative route via the Villa Maria-Kalungu-Masaka Road as works on the bridge progress.

Kashari North County Member of Parliament Basil Bataringaya Pulse Live Uganda

Katumba Wamala explained that the Katonga 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 noted.

The minister also mentioned that the contractor would address issues within the Kalandazi and Lwera swamps to ensure the road section meets the demands of truck volumes. He urged road users to be patient during the construction of the new bridge.

“I want us to understand these structures are not simple structures to do. If we do a structure in a hurry, and it gives away in a few years, it will be this same House that will put us to task. This is a very sensitive structure and so it should be done with all the caution and detail it deserves,” Katumba Wamala added.

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