By Denis Omony & Christopher Oola
Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) has barred heavy trucks from using the Paraa-Masindi route through Murchison falls due to the ecological sensitivity of the environment there.
Paraa-Masindi through Murchison Falls National Park recently became an alternative route for heavy trucks and buses following the closure of Karumah Bridge May 6, 2024.
However, in a communication released by UNRA on May 22, 2024, effective May 24, 2024, trailers, lorries, and trucks will not be allowed to pass through Paraa- Masindi through the Murchison Falls National Park as an intervention in protecting the ecological environment.
The heavy trucks have instead been advised to use Kafu-Masindi, branch off on the left to Hoima-Biiso-Buliisa-Paraa road, connecting to Pakwach or Gulu Via Olwiyo.
The closing of the 61-year-old bridge for three months was made after an assessment carried out that discovered cracks on it prompting UNRA to embark on sourcing for a contractor to do repair works.