Katonga Bridge Nears Completion as Critical Hoima Road Project Faces Delays
KAMPALA, Uganda – With drone footage capturing its final form over the Katonga River wetlands, the new Katonga Bridge is rapidly approaching completion, marking a significant milestone for Uganda’s transport sector. Officials confirm the structure is on track for handover by the end of the year—well ahead of the original 2027 target.
“Every beam, every slab reflects our dedication to restoring connectivity,” the Ministry of Works and Transport noted in a recent update. “Our commitment is having the project ready before the end of the year.”
The bridge, constructed by China Communications Construction Company at a cost of UGX 191 billion, replaces the previous structure lost to devastating floods in May 2023—an event that stranded thousands of travelers and severed a key artery along the Kampala-Masaka Highway.
A Tale of Two Projects
While progress at Katonga has drawn praise, the situation along the 145-km Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima road upgrade presents a stark contrast. Initiated in late 2023 with a UGX 309 billion budget under Abubaker Technical Services, the project has been mired in public frustration. Motorists and residents continue to report persistent potholes, thick dust, and delays in construction, fueling safety concerns following a fatal crash near Kyankwanzi in March that claimed six lives.
AFCON 2027 in Focus
Both infrastructure projects are critical to Uganda’s preparations for co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Hoima City Stadium, a designated tournament venue, relies heavily on the completion of the Hoima road to ensure reliable access for teams and spectators. However, concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding facilities and transport infrastructure continue to loom.
As the year progresses, the government faces mounting pressure to resolve delays on the Hoima route while capitalizing on the momentum demonstrated by the rapid completion of the Katonga Bridge.
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