Uganda, May 12 -- Karuma Township, located at the border with Oyam, Kiryandongo, and Nwoya districts, used to be a bustling area, with accommodation and restaurant services catering to truck drivers and bus passengers almost 24 hours a day.

However, the closure of the Karuma Bridge on May 6 has caused a significant decline in business activity. The bridge was closed due to its defects and for reconstruction purposes.

Heavy-duty vehicles such as lorries, buses, and trailers travelling from Kampala-Gulu or West Nile are now diverted at River Kafu via Masindi town. They then proceed to Paraa and exit onto the Pakwach-Karuma thoroughfare at Tangi gate.

For motorists travelling from Lira to Kampala, the alternative route is Lira-Dokolo-Soro...