PAKWACH, September 16, 2026 — The future of the historic Pakwach Bridge has come into sharp focus after Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama warned that the aging structure could have less than three years before it risks giving way.
Byamukama made the warning during an on-site inspection of the bridge in Pakwach on Wednesday, as concerns grow over the condition of the key crossing linking West Nile with Northern Uganda and the rest of the country.
According to the minister, Government plans to begin construction of a replacement bridge within three months.
In the meantime, a ferry is expected to be deployed to provide an alternative crossing and help maintain the movement of people and goods.
The temporary arrangement is particularly significant for West Nile, where the Pakwach crossing is an important transport link for travellers, traders and businesses moving between the region and other parts of Uganda.
The minister was accompanied during the inspection by several West Nile Members of Parliament, including Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny and Alioni Odria.
A critical link for West Nile
For decades, the Pakwach Bridge has served as one of the main gateways into West Nile.
Its location over the Albert Nile makes it strategically important not only for Pakwach but also for communities and businesses across the wider West Nile sub-region.
Any prolonged disruption at the crossing could therefore have consequences for the movement of passengers, agricultural produce, commercial goods and other supplies.
The proposed ferry is expected to provide a temporary solution as preparations for the new bridge get underway.
What happens next?
The immediate question now is whether the proposed replacement bridge will move from announcement to actual construction within the stated three-month time frame.
For residents and road users, the condition of the existing bridge makes the transition particularly important.
As Government prepares for the replacement project, the deployment of a ferry could provide a critical safety net and help keep West Nile connected to the rest of the country.
WooNam News will continue to follow developments surrounding the Pakwach Bridge replacement project and its implications for West Nile.
