Tokyo, Japan – Uganda has taken a major step towards replacing the ageing Karuma Bridge after signing the construction contract for a new crossing, with works expected to begin in October 2026.
The contract was signed on July 10 at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, by the Commissioner for National Roads at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Eng. Isaac Wani, representing the Government of Uganda, and Mr. Osamu Tanabe on behalf of Japan’s Zenitaka Corporation, the company awarded the project.
The signing officially clears the way for implementation after Zenitaka Corporation was selected through a competitive procurement process to undertake the civil works.
The event was witnessed by Uganda’s Solicitor General, Pius Perry Biribonwoha, and Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Tophace Kaahwa, with the Uganda Embassy in Tokyo facilitating the engagement.
Addressing the ceremony, Eng. Wani described the new bridge as a strategic investment that will restore safe and reliable transport along the Kampala–Gulu highway, a key corridor linking central and northern Uganda. He said the project will boost regional trade, improve access to social services, attract investment and strengthen the country’s transport infrastructure.
He also expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for financing the project under Japan’s Official Development Assistance Grant Aid programme, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to ensuring smooth implementation.
Ambassador Kaahwa said the project demonstrates the enduring partnership between Uganda and Japan, adding that it reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to supporting Uganda’s infrastructure development.
Zenitaka Corporation, working alongside project consultants Oriental Consultants Global, committed to delivering the bridge within the agreed schedule and to the highest engineering standards. The company previously built the New Nile Bridge in Jinja under Japanese support.
Groundbreaking is planned for September 2026, with construction expected to commence the following month.
Upon completion, the new Karuma Bridge will replace the existing structure, improving connectivity between central and northern Uganda while enhancing trade and transport links to South Sudan and the wider East African region.
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