APAC, October 1, 2024 – Passengers using the Masindi Port ferry as an alternative transport option following the closure of Karuma Bridge are now stranded due to overwhelming traffic congestion at the port.
Karuma Bridge, Northern Uganda’s main gateway, was officially closed to all traffic on September 23, 2024, following an announcement by Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala. The closure is necessary to have renovation works implemented by the National Enterprise Corporation [NEC], and China Seventh Railway Group.
Since the bridge’s closure, the designated route through Masindi Port has become inundated with heavy traffic. Travelers are reportedly stranded for up to three days due to the increased number of vehicles and passengers that exceed the capacity of the two ferries operating at the port.
Geoffrey Okello, a second-hand cloth dealer enroute to Apac Municipality, expressed frustration after his crossing was delayed by nearly twelve hours. “I was supposed to be in Arocha market by 7:00 am, but it’s now 9:30 am and I’m still uncertain if I’ll make it across. Every time more people arrive, it makes the situation harder. I urge the government to introduce a larger ferry to accommodate the growing traffic,” he said.
Another passenger, Susan Acio, highlighted the security threats posed by the delays. “The jam is overwhelming, and people are spending nights at the port. The government must act urgently to ensure our safety. They need to add another ferry now,” she stated.
Samson Wadri, a traveler from West Nile, voiced concerns about the ferry operators, noting a lack of adherence to a first-come, first-served policy. “We’ve been waiting for over seven hours while others, including government officials, receive priority. They should experience what we go through to push for better services,” he remarked.
Calls for action
The heavy congestion at Masindi Port has been attributed to insufficient ferry capacity. Travellers are increasingly frustrated by reports of government officials jumping queues, further complicating the situation.
Motorists and passengers heading to Northern Uganda appealed to the government for more ferries to alleviate congestion at Masindi Port. Joseph Olade, a traveler, emphasised the urgency of the situation: “It is crucial for the government to provide more ferries to address these traffic concerns. The situation is alarming and requires immediate intervention.”
Allan Ssempebwa, spokesperson for the Uganda National Roads Authority [UNRA], acknowledged the traffic challenges and announced that a second ferry would be operational at Masindi Port. “UNRA has introduced a second ferry to accommodate the increased passenger demand during the ongoing rehabilitation of the Karuma Bridge. The new ferry will start operations on Monday,” Ssempebwa stated.
According to UNRA, the ferry crossing at Masindi Port takes just 10 minutes and is free of charge. The new ferry service is expected to reduce travel delays and provide travelers with a quicker, more convenient option.
The rehabilitation of Karuma Bridge, a vital transport link between Northern and Central Uganda, is necessary to preserve the region’s infrastructure. Built in 1963, the bridge has shown signs of deterioration due to environmental factors and is currently undergoing repairs.
https://thecooperator.news/businesses-interrupted-as-unra-halts-masindi-port-operations/
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