Tokyo: The Government of Uganda has officially signed a contract for the construction of the new Karuma Bridge, marking a significant step in infrastructure development. The signing took place at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, with Eng. Isaac Wani, Commissioner for National Roads at the Ministry of Works and Transport, representing Uganda. Mr. Osamu Tanabe signed on behalf of Zenitaka Corporation, the main contractor for the project. This contract follows the Ministry of Works and Transport's issuance of a Notice of Award to Zenitaka Corporation, identifying it as the most responsive and successful bidder for the civil works.
According to African Press Organization, the ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr. Pius Perry Biribonwoha, Solicitor General of the Republic of Uganda, and H.E. Tophace Kaahwa, Uganda's Ambassador to Japan. The Uganda Embassy in Tokyo played a crucial role in organizing the event and facilitating interactions between Ugandan and Japanese officials.
Eng. Wani, speaking at the event, emphasized the strategic importance of the new Karuma Bridge for enhancing movement along the Kampala-Gulu highway. He stated that the bridge would strengthen regional connectivity, support trade and investment, and improve access to vital services, thereby boosting the resilience of Uganda's national transport network.
Eng. Wani also expressed gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Japan for their ongoing support through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Grant Aid program, which has been instrumental in executing key infrastructure projects like the new Karuma Bridge. He assured that the Government of Uganda is committed to providing necessary institutional support for the project's timely and successful completion.
Ambassador Kaahwa highlighted Japan's support as a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and Japan. She underscored the importance of further strengthening this partnership for the mutual benefit of both nations. Zenitaka Corporation, along with Oriental Consultants Global, the project consultants, affirmed their dedication to Uganda. Zenitaka, known for its delivery of the Jinja Nile Bridge under Japanese funding, promised to construct the new Karuma Bridge adhering to the highest engineering standards within the agreed timeline.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Karuma Bridge is slated for September 2026, with construction works expected to commence in October 2026. Once completed, the bridge will replace the existing aging structure, thereby enhancing transport and trade links to Northern Uganda, South Sudan, and the broader region.