Zenitaka signs Uganda Karuma Bridge contract

Japan’s Zenitaka Corporation has signed a contract with Uganda for the new Karuma Bridge project

The new bridge will replace the existing ageing structure and is expected to improve transport and trade links to northern Uganda, South Sudan, and the wider region.

Groundbreaking works are scheduled for September 2026, with civil construction works expected to commence the following month.

The contract was signed in Tokyo recently by Osamu Tanabe on behalf of Zenitaka Corporation, the main contractor for the project, and Isaac Wani, Commissioner for National Roads at Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport.

The signing followed the issuance of the Notice of Award by the Ministry of Works and Transport to Zenitaka Corporation as the most responsive and successful bidder for the civil works.

Zenitaka Corporation, which will work alongside Oriental Consultants Global, the project consultants, previously delivered the Jinja Nile Bridge under Japanese funding.

Speaking at the Tokyo event, Wani highlighted the strategic importance of the new Karuma Bridge in restoring safe and efficient movement along the Kampala-Gulu highway.

He noted that the bridge will strengthen regional connectivity, support trade and investment, improve access to essential services, and enhance the resilience of Uganda’s national transport network.

Wani also expressed appreciation to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese government for their continued support through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Grant Aid programme, which has enabled the implementation of key infrastructure projects, including the new Karuma Bridge.

Tophace Kaahwa, Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, described Japan’s support as a “clear demonstration of the strong and cordial bilateral relations between Uganda and Japan.”

She also emphasised the need to further consolidate the partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.

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