TOKYO, Japan — Uganda has taken a major step toward replacing the aging Karuma Bridge after signing the construction contract for a new bridge in Tokyo, with groundbreaking scheduled for September and civil works expected to begin in October 2026.

The contract was signed on 10 July 2026 at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, by Eng. Isaac Wani, Commissioner for National Roads at Uganda's Ministry of Works and Transport, on behalf of the Government of Uganda, and Mr. Osamu Tanabe on behalf of Zenitaka Corporation, the main contractor for the project. The agreement follows the Ministry's award of the civil works contract to the Japanese firm after it emerged as the successful bidder.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Solicitor General Pius Perry Biribonwoha and Uganda's Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Tophace Kaahwa, with the Uganda Embassy in Tokyo playing a key role in coordinating the engagement between Ugandan and Japanese authorities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Eng. Wani described the new Karuma Bridge as a strategic infrastructure project that will restore safe and efficient movement along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, while boosting regional connectivity, facilitating trade and investment, improving access to essential services, and strengthening the country's transport network.

He also thanked the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Japan for their continued support through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Grant Aid Programme, which has financed several critical infrastructure projects in Uganda. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing the necessary institutional support to ensure the bridge is completed on schedule.

Ambassador Kaahwa said Japan's support reflects the strong and enduring bilateral relationship between Uganda and Japan, expressing optimism that the partnership would continue to deepen for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Zenitaka Corporation, together with project consultants Oriental Consultants Global, pledged to deliver the bridge to the highest engineering standards within the agreed timeframe. The company previously constructed the Jinja Nile Bridge, another landmark infrastructure project funded by Japan.

The new Karuma Bridge will replace the existing aging structure and is expected to significantly improve transport and trade links between central and northern Uganda, while enhancing connectivity with South Sudan and the wider East African region. Groundbreaking is planned for September 2026, with construction scheduled to commence the following month.