The contract was signed on July 10, 2026, at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, by Eng. Isaac Wani, Commissioner for National Roads at the Ministry of Works and Transport, on behalf of the Ugandan government, and Zenitaka Corporation representative Osamu Tanabe.
The signing followed the issuance of a Notice of Award by the Ministry of Works and Transport naming Zenitaka Corporation as the most responsive bidder for the project.
The ceremony was witnessed by Solicitor General Pius Perry Biribonwoha and Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, Tophace Kaahwa.
Eng. Wani said the new bridge will play a critical role in restoring safe and efficient transport along the Kampala-Gulu highway, while strengthening regional connectivity and supporting trade and investment.
He added that the project will improve access to essential services and enhance the resilience of Uganda’s transport network.
The government also acknowledged support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Japan through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Grant Aid programme, which has funded several infrastructure projects in Uganda.
Ambassador Kaahwa described the project as a reflection of the strong bilateral relationship between Uganda and Japan, calling for continued cooperation between the two countries.
Zenitaka Corporation and Oriental Consultants Global, the project consultants, pledged to deliver the bridge to the required engineering standards and within the agreed timeline.
Zenitaka previously constructed the Jinja Nile Bridge under Japanese funding.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Karuma Bridge is scheduled for September 2026, ahead of the start of civil works in October.
The new bridge will replace the existing ageing structure and is expected to improve transport and trade links between Northern Uganda, South Sudan and the wider region.