Karuma, Uganda: The Ministry of Works and Transport has temporarily suspended the movement of heavy trucks and trailers along the Karuma–Kamdini section of the Gulu Highway following serious road damage caused by floods.
The incident occurred near the Karuma–Olwiyo/Pakwach junction, about one kilometre from the URA checkpoint on the Kampala side.
According to the Ministry, heavy rains triggered an embankment failure, causing part of the road to collapse and forcing authorities to restrict traffic to a single operational lane.
“The affected section has been hoarded off, and traffic is being managed on one lane,” the Ministry said in a Sunday statement. “Restoration works are being mobilized to reinstate the section as soon as possible.”
Heavy trucks diverted
To reduce pressure on the weakened section, all heavy trucks and trailers have been directed to divert at the Karuma–Pakwach junction (URA checkpoint) and instead proceed to Olwiyo Trading Centre, approximately 51 kilometres from Karuma, before turning right through Anaka to connect to Gulu, a route spanning about 62 kilometres.
The Ministry urged drivers to avoid crossing flooded areas, reduce speed, and obey all traffic control instructions issued by police and road authorities stationed at the scene.
“Motorists must exercise maximum caution during this rainy season,” the Ministry warned. “The depth and strength of floodwaters can be deceptive and dangerous.”
Officials expressed regret over the disruption but assured the public that emergency restoration works were being undertaken to reopen the road fully.
The Karuma–Kamdini stretch forms part of Uganda’s vital northern corridor, linking Kampala to Gulu, West Nile, and South Sudan, and is a key route for heavy cargo transport.
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