Kamdini, Uganda: The partial reopening of the Gulu–Kamdini–Karuma highway has brought relief to businesses and transporters following a month-long closure caused by embankment failure at Karuma Bridge, officials said on Monday.
The Ministry of Works and Transport closed the Kamdini–Karuma section in early November after continuous heavy rains widened the embankment failure, destroying more than half of the carriageway and rendering the road unsafe for any vehicle traffic.
On December 1, 2025, the Ministry reopened the stretch to medium trucks, buses, vans and saloon cars, while heavy trailers and long-haul trucks will continue using the Karuma–Olwiyo–Gulu diversion until full repairs are completed.
According to Eng Henry Komakech, Station Manager for the Ministry of Works and Transport in Gulu, motorists must strictly follow diversion guidelines and observe reduced speed limits.
“Vehicles are advised to use the diversion as we prepare to commence repair works on the failed embankment. Medium trucks, buses, vans and saloon cars will use the diversion, while heavy trailers will remain on the Karuma–Olwiyo–Gulu route,” he said, urging motorists to adhere to a 30 km/hr speed limit for safety.
For local traders, the reopening has restored hope after weeks of financial strain. Grace Angwen, a fruit vendor formerly operating in Kamdini, said she was forced to relocate to Karuma but still faced low business due to the roadblock.
“I shifted from Kamdini to Karuma because business was not doing well, but we still performed poorly due to the closure. We hope the reopening will relieve us by improving traffic flow,” she said.
At Nora Trading Centre, boda boda rider Ronald Odongo said the reopening will revive transport operations after riders spent weeks relying on expensive, fuel-consuming alternative routes.
Transporters at Karuma have also appealed for government support. Faruk Otukene, Chairperson of the Transporters’ Association, said the closure pushed many into financial distress.
“We have lost a lot because of this roadblock. We no longer have money to support our families. Those with loans cannot pay them back. We are only surviving. I appeal to the government to give us financial support,” Otukene said.
The Ministry of Works is expected to begin repairs on the embankment once the weather stabilises.
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