Uganda, May 7 -- The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) closed the Karuma Bridge from May 6 to lorries, trailers and buses to allow for emergency repairs after parts of its structure were found to have deteriorated dangerously. The bridge is the main and busy link to northern Uganda, South Sudan, and the northern Democratic Republic of Congo. Fortunately, there are quite motorable alternatives, but they will add a lot more kilometres, and cost, to the journey north.

For the historically-minded, the UNRA statement announcing the temporary closure had some eye-catching parts. It said, "The continued exposure of the bridge to the EVER-INCREASING TRAFFIC (emphasis added) is likely to accelerate its deterioration and serviceability if not...