Motorists traveling along the Kampala–Masaka Highway should brace for temporary traffic delays starting Tuesday, November 11, as the Ministry of Works and Transport begins installing precast girders at the Katonga Bridge, a critical step in the reconstruction of the country’s major transport link. The ministry announced that the works will run daily until November 21, 2025, taking place between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, and again from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The process involves the transportation and placement of massive precast concrete girders using heavy cranes, a delicate and time-consuming operation that will require intermittent halts to traffic for safety reasons. According to the ministry, the activity is part of the broader reconstruction project aimed at delivering a stronger, more resilient Katonga Bridge capable of withstanding extreme weather events that have become increasingly frequent in recent years.

The original Katonga Bridge, which sits in the marshy stretch between Mpigi and Kalungu districts, was severely damaged in May 2023 after heavy flooding swept through the Katonga River. The floods washed away sections of the structure and effectively cut off road transport between central and southwestern Uganda for several weeks, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded and disrupting trade and travel between Kampala, Masaka, Mbarara, and beyond. Since then, the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) has been spearheading the rebuilding efforts under the supervision of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).

In a statement issued Monday, the Ministry of Works urged road users to remain patient and cooperate with traffic management teams during the installation period. “Precast girder installation poses a safety risk to traffic flow because the beams are extremely heavy and large, requiring slow movement and crane lifting across the road carriageway,” the ministry said. “Motorists are therefore advised to follow traffic guidance and exercise patience during these operations.”

Traffic officers and road marshals have been deployed at key points near the bridge to direct vehicles and minimize congestion. The ministry emphasized that the safety of both workers and motorists remains the top priority and assured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken. Temporary diversions will be used at certain times to allow the safe placement of the girders, though disruptions are expected to be brief and carefully managed.

The reconstruction of Katonga Bridge represents a major milestone in Uganda’s infrastructure recovery and modernization efforts. Beyond simply replacing the damaged sections, the new design incorporates lessons learned from past floods and integrates stronger materials and higher elevations to resist water overflow. The upgraded structure will also accommodate heavier loads, making it a vital link for trade and transport between the central and western regions, including the border routes to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Over the past two years, UNRA and the Ministry of Works have been working to strengthen flood-prone areas along the highway, with interventions such as improved culvert systems and reinforced embankments to enhance water flow. The Katonga project stands as a flagship example of these efforts, one that aligns with the government’s broader goal of building climate-resilient infrastructure across the country.

As the installation continues, transporters and commuters have been encouraged to plan their journeys around the scheduled work hours to avoid delays. Regular users of the highway, particularly long-distance truck drivers, have welcomed the updates, noting that while the temporary interruptions are inconvenient, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term challenges. Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel disruptions, cut transport costs, and facilitate smoother movement of goods and people across Uganda’s economic corridors.

By the end of November, engineers expect the installation phase to be complete, paving the way for the final stages of the project before the bridge is fully reopened to unrestricted traffic. For now, however, motorists will need to navigate the controlled delays with patience, as the country inches closer to restoring one of its most important road links, stronger, safer, and ready for the future.