By Traffic flow along the Karuma–Kamdini section of the Gulu Highway has been severely disrupted after a major road failure rendered part of the stretch impassable, the Ministry of Works and Transport announced on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by Permanent Secretary Bageya Waiswa, the damaged portion lies about one kilometre from the Karuma–Olwiiyo–Pakwach junction (URA checkpoint, Kampala side). Heavy, persistent rains have continued to erode the embankment, widening the collapse and affecting more than half of the road carriageway.
The ministry said the affected section has now been cordoned off for public safety as emergency works are mobilised.
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“More than half of the road carriageway is now affected, rendering the section unsafe for all traffic,” the statement reads. “The failure continues to widen due to the persistent heavy rains impacting the embankment.”
Motorists have been urged to avoid the area entirely as engineers assess the extent of the damage and plan immediate interventions.
All vehicles approaching the area have been directed to divert at the Karuma–Pakwach junction and proceed through Olwiiyo Trading Centre, approximately 51 kilometres away. From there, motorists are to turn right and continue through Anaka to Gulu, an additional 62 kilometres.
The same diversion applies in reverse for motorists travelling from Gulu toward Kampala.
The ministry asked road users to remain patient as restoration work begins.
“Further updates will be issued as restoration progresses. We regret the inconvenience caused,” Waiswa said.
The Karuma–Kamdini stretch is a critical link between northern Uganda and the rest of the country, serving thousands of vehicles daily. The collapse comes as heavy rains continue to cause flooding, landslides, and infrastructure disruptions across several regions.
Engineers are expected to begin preliminary restoration work immediately, though full repairs may take longer depending on weather conditions.
