Authorities have redirected heavy traffic along the Kamdini–Karuma Bridge section of the Gulu Highway following the collapse of an embankment on one of the bridges linking the two towns.

The incident occurred roughly one kilometer from the Karuma–Olwiyo/Pakwach junction, near the URA checkpoint on the Kamdini side. For safety reasons, officials have cordoned off the affected area, allowing traffic to flow in only one lane.

According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, heavy trucks and trailers heading to Gulu have been advised to divert at the Karuma–Pakwach junction (URA checkpoint), proceed through Olwiyo Trading Centre, about 51 kilometers from Karuma Junction, and then turn right through Anaka to reach Gulu City.

Despite these instructions, several trucks were still seen crossing the bridge. After inspecting the site, Engineer Charles Bongomin from the Ministry warned that the bridge requires urgent repair, cautioning that continuous rainfall could lead to a complete collapse. “We had too much rain, and the volume of water was too much for the culverts, so the opening became too small, and the water was forced to get its way through,” he explained.

Allan Ssempebwa Kyobe, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, attributed the damage to heavy rainfall and said restoration works would commence soon. He urged motorists to exercise caution, reduce speed, and comply with all traffic control measures at the site. “We regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate your cooperation as we undertake emergency interventions,” he added.

Meanwhile, Oyam Resident District Commissioner James Shilaku spent much of Sunday at the scene managing traffic. He said police would be deployed to guide motorists, noting that many truck drivers were still using the damaged road despite the official diversion.

Residents have also expressed growing concern over the situation. Jesse Obong, a resident of Kamdini Town Council, warned that if the bridge collapses entirely, it could severely disrupt business activities within the area and across the region.

The damaged bridge forms part of the critical North-Eastern transport corridor, a key route for heavy trucks transporting goods to West Nile, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan, as well as a major link between northern and central Uganda.