The reopening of Karuma Bridge has brought much-needed relief to Murchison Falls National Park, where the temporary diversion of vehicles had created an environmental and tourism crisis.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) says wildlife deaths, pollution, and traffic congestion had reached alarming levels.
However, with potential further repairs on the horizon, concerns remain about the impact another closure could have.
For three months, Karuma Bridge—an essential link between Kampala and northern Uganda—was closed for initial repairs, forcing vehicles to divert through Murchison Falls National Park.
The results were devastating.
Bashir Hangi, the UWA Communications Manager says the heavy traffic led to a sharp increase in wildlife deaths and environmental degradation.
Beyond the immediate threat to wildlife, tourism operators were also feeling the pressure.
Experts warned that safety concerns and negative publicity were discouraging tourists.
But the reopening of Karuma Bridge to light vehicles on December 20, 2024, was a turning point.
UWA says there is some relief now that Karuma is open.
Wildlife is safer, and resources can be reallocated with the road congestion and pollution in Murchison significantly reducing.
Tour operators and tourism bodies have also welcomed the reopening.
Amos Wekesa, CEO of Great Lakes Safaris, believes it has restored order in the park.
“It gave a breath to Murchison. Wildlife was getting killed. People drove carelessly. But now, the amount of time spent in traffic has reduced, and that is crucial for the protection of Murchison and most importantly satisfaction of tourists,” Wekesa told Nilepost.
Simplicious Gessa, Head of Public Relations at the Uganda Tourism Board, says the reopening has enhanced travel convenience and given domestic tourists better choices.
“It was a fresh breath. It planned longer routes and eased transport. Domestic tourists have been given choices and space. Hotels have better access to accommodation facilities, and we are seeing an increase in business across the tourism value chain,” Gessa said.
However, the future remains uncertain. Gen.Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, last week hinted at another possible closure of the bridge to complete repairs.
Katumba said the technical team is still doing examinations to see whether they can fix the expansion joints while vehicles continue crossing or if it will require some days of closure.
Should another shutdown happen, stakeholders fear a repeat of the disruptions that put Uganda’s largest conservation area at risk. Tourism players are calling for a long-term alternative route to prevent another crisis.
For now, Murchison Falls National Park is breathing easier but for how long?
