Tokyo: The Government of Uganda has officially signed a contract for the construction of the new Karuma Bridge, marking a significant step forward in infrastructure development. The signing ceremony took place on 10th July 2026 at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. Eng. Isaac Wani, Commissioner for National Roads at Uganda's Ministry of Works and Transport, signed the contract on behalf of the Ugandan government, while Mr. Osamu Tanabe represented Zenitaka Corporation, the main contractor selected for the project.
According to African Press Organization, the signing ceremony was attended by notable Ugandan representatives, including Mr. Pius Perry Biribonwoha, Solicitor General of Uganda, and H.E. Tophace Kaahwa, Uganda's Ambassador to Japan. The Uganda Embassy in Tokyo played an instrumental role in coordinating the event and fostering cooperation between Ugandan and Japanese authorities.
During the event, Eng. Wani underscored the importance of the new Karuma Bridge for restoring safe and efficient travel along the Kampala-Gulu highway. He pointed out that the bridge would enhance regional connectivity, bolster trade and investment, and improve access to essential services, thereby reinforcing Uganda's national transport network.
Eng. Wani expressed gratitude towards the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Japan for their ongoing support through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Grant Aid program. This program has been crucial in enabling infrastructure projects like the Karuma Bridge. He assured the commitment of the Ugandan government to provide necessary institutional support for the project's successful and timely completion.
Ambassador Kaahwa highlighted Japan's support as a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and Japan. She stressed the importance of strengthening this partnership for the mutual benefit of both nations. Zenitaka Corporation, along with project consultants Oriental Consultants Global, affirmed their dedication to the project. Zenitaka, known for constructing the Jinja Nile Bridge with Japanese funding, promised to build the Karuma Bridge to high engineering standards and within the set timeline.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge is slated for September 2026, with construction expected to begin in October 2026. The new structure will replace the current aging bridge, significantly improving transport and trade routes to Northern Uganda, South Sudan, and the broader region.