Uganda, May 9 -- On Friday, May 3, Uganda National Roads Authority released a statement announcing the closure of Karuma Bridge to heavy-duty traffic.

The bridge is a major north-south link, connecting the rest of Uganda to northern Uganda, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The bridge's closure has caused several disruptions, chief among which was the need to divert much of the heavy-duty traffic that traditionally uses the bridge.

Since May 6, only vehicles carrying up to 28 occupants are permitted to use the bridge. For at least three months, the rest of the traffic has been diverted via Murchison Falls National Park, and directed to use the Luweero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa route via the national park, to connect to Pakwach or Gul...