A close encounter between a trailer and a Nile-Star bus on Karuma Bridge on Wednesday has raised questions about the safety and adherence to traffic rules on the two-lane structure.
The incident, which left the bus in a precarious position, occurred despite clear guidelines that vehicles should pass one at a time, especially when the bridge is narrow.
Although the Karuma Bridge was reopened on April 14 after nearly a year of repairs, the incident has shed light on the need for heightened caution when navigating the bridge, particularly for large vehicles.
The bridge, which is wide enough for two vehicles to pass side by side, still requires careful navigation to avoid dangerous situations like the one witnessed on Wednesday.
Images posted online show that the situation could have been avoided had the trucker kept a few yards to the left.
The Ministry of Works and Transport had previously announced that the bridge was fully rehabilitated and ready to accommodate all types of motorized traffic.
The recent repairs addressed major structural defects and enhanced safety features, but the bridge’s two-lane design remains unchanged.
Allan Ssempebwa, communications expert at the Ministry of Works and Transport, reacted to the brush by urging drivers to exercise caution.
“We did all the rehabilitation and added extra strength and safety to this bridge facility, but it’s not a space to aim at recklessly... please approach with caution!” Ssempebwa said, stressing that the bridge is still a sensitive structure despite the improvements.
The recent brush has sparked widespread discussion, with many Ugandans questioning whether better precautions are necessary to ensure smooth traffic flow on the bridge.
The incident serves as a reminder that while Karuma Bridge is a vital link in the country’s transport network, drivers must remain vigilant to avoid dangerous situations.
As Karuma Bridge continues to facilitate the movement of goods and people across the Nile, the Ministry of Works and Transport has reiterated the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.