MPs, Stakeholders Schedule Meeting over Karuma Bridge Closure
A meeting between stakeholder ministries and Members of Parliament (MPs) from Northern Uganda has been planned to address concerns over the closure of the Karuma Bridge.
The Ministry of Works and Transport closed the bridge over the River Nile on the Kampala – Gulu Highway from access by all motorists on Monday, 23 September, 2024 to pave way for rehabilitation of the bridge, with works estimated to take three months.
The Karuma Bridge is a gateway to Northern Uganda and its closure has led to an uproar from the public, which has been re-echoed by MPs who raised the matter during plenary sitting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Gen. Katumba showing the cracks on Karuma bridge.
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, told Parliament that the Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, had been assigned the task.
Consequently, traffic has been diverted with motorists from the North plying the Eastern route via Gulu, Kamdini, Lira, Soroti, Tirinyi, Pallisa, Iganga, Jinja to Kampala while those using the ferry pass via Gulu, Kamdini, Apac, Masindi Port, Luweero to Kampala.
Additionally, travelers who use the Murchison Falls National Park have been restricted to move between 7.00a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, gave the minister up to Tuesday, 01 October 2024 to report back and he stressed the importance of involving area MPs in the meeting.
“Why I insist on the MPs is because the works and tourism ministries already met and what they came up with, you can see the contention it is raising. When you involve these stakeholders, their views are captured and you come with a solution that is owned up by all,” Tayebwa said.
The matter was raised by Kilak South County MP, Hon. Gilbert Olanya, who said that the alternative routes have led to hiked transport fares, on top of several other inconveniences.
“The bus owners and business community are not happy. You have to foot high transport fare which is now about Shs125,000 which used to be between Shs30,000 to Shs40,000,” Olanya said.
He added that travellers using the Murchison Falls National Park to Masindi have been subjected to pay a fee of Shs25,000, and he called for removal of the fee.
The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra, however said that opening the Murchison park route to all motorists will endanger wildlife and affect tourism.
“The moment we open the entire park to all kinds of vehicles, we will not have the mechanism of differentiating tourist vehicles from the rest of the vehicles,” he said.
Alfred Edakasi (NRM, Kaberamaido County) concurred with the minister, saying that he has witnessed a truck almost knocking an expectant lioness in the national park.
Kole District Woman Representative, Judith Alyek, said that whilst government’s decision to rehabilitate the bridge is welcome, they ought to have planned the alternative routes properly.”
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum