MPIGI DISTRICT, UGANDA — Uganda has marked a major milestone in its transport infrastructure following the commissioning of the reconstructed Katonga Bridge in Mpigi District, along the Kampala–Masaka Highway, on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The project restores a critical transport link disrupted by devastating floods in May 2023, which destroyed the original bridge and caused significant disruption to road transport, trade and the movement of people between Central and Western Uganda.
The reconstruction, valued at approximately UGX 191 billion, forms part of the wider Katonga Corridor project aimed at restoring reliable connectivity along one of the country’s busiest transport routes. The bridge is expected to improve the movement of passengers, agricultural produce and commercial goods while reducing delays and additional transport costs previously experienced by motorists using diversion routes.
The commissioning ceremony was held at Katonga Bridge in Mpigi District and presided over by the Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama. State Minister for Tourism Hon. Susan Kawuki was also among the dignitaries reported to have attended the event. Their presence highlighted the importance of the infrastructure project to national development, tourism and the transport sector.
Designed to last approximately 120 years, the reconstructed bridge represents a long-term investment in Uganda’s road infrastructure. Its design incorporates measures intended to improve resilience against flooding, addressing some of the challenges exposed when heavy rains caused the collapse of the former structure in 2023.
The destruction of the original Katonga Bridge exposed the vulnerability of critical transport infrastructure to extreme weather events. Motorists, transporters and traders were forced to contend with diversions, longer journeys and increased operational costs. The restoration of the bridge is therefore expected to ease transport challenges and improve the efficiency of commercial activities along the Kampala–Masaka route.
Beyond road transport, the project carries significant economic importance for farmers, businesses and communities in Mpigi District and surrounding areas that depend on the highway to access markets and essential services. Improved connectivity is expected to facilitate trade, support agricultural distribution and strengthen access to tourism destinations in western and southwestern Uganda.
The reconstruction also highlights the importance of investing in climate-resilient infrastructure as Uganda continues to experience the effects of extreme weather. While stronger engineering designs are essential, the long-term performance of the bridge will depend on regular inspections, proper drainage management and timely maintenance by the responsible authorities.
However, the commissioning of the bridge should also be accompanied by continued public accountability over the reported UGX 191 billion investment. Ensuring that the project meets the required engineering standards, delivers value for money and receives appropriate maintenance will be essential to achieving the promised 120-year design lifespan.
The reopening of Katonga Bridge in Mpigi District is more than the restoration of a road crossing; it is the renewal of a vital economic connection linking communities, markets and opportunities. As traffic resumes along this important corridor, the ultimate measure of success will be safer journeys, reduced travel delays, improved trade and infrastructure capable of serving Ugandans for generations to come.
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