Kudos to Uganda and Japan governments
What you need to know:
- The Source of the Nile Bridge will contribute to the country’s economic growth by promoting economic development and integration of Uganda into the central African countries.
- It will also provide guarantees to the movement of labour and goods for trade on the Northern Corridor Route. This is proof that Uganda is moving in the right direction.
The new bridge in Jinja, The Source of The Nile Bridge, which President Museveni commissioned on October 17, is a cable-stayed bridge across the Nile in Uganda. This is an alternative to the Nalubaale Bridge, which was commissioned in 1954. Therefore, with great honour, I applaud the governments of Uganda and Japan for the great work they accomplished.
The 525-metre (1.722ft) long and 22.9 metres (75ft) wide bridge, whose construction started in 2014, cost Shs450 billion. It has a life expectancy of 120 years and is a four-lane dual highway. It also has a pedestrian sidewalk. The construction of the magnificent bridge was funded by both the Uganda government (15 per cent) and the Japanese government through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, JICA, (85 per cent).
Speaking at the commissioning of The Source of the Nile Bridge on Wednesday, President Museveni applauded Japan for the good relationship they have had with Uganda that dates 56 years ago. The President noted: “We support each other. As we buy Japanese vehicles, they also give us aid. In the last 56 years, Uganda has benefitted to a tune of $122 billion in form of aid from Japan.’’
Mr Masahisa Sato, the Japan Foreign Affairs minister, said the The Source of the Nile Bridge is a symbol of the long-standing friendship between the people of Japan and Uganda.
He credited Uganda for the stability of Eastern Africa. He added that in order to achieve sustainable economic growth, high quality infrastructure is indispensable.
Mr Museveni said boda boda riders and other cyclists will not be allowed to access the bridge because it is only for vehicles and pedestrians.
This is aimed at improving road safety given that traffic has increased over the years on the Kampala-Jinja highway and specifically on the Nalubaale Bridge. He said he believes that this is a great idea for country’s development.
The Source of the Nile Bridge will contribute to the country’s economic growth by promoting economic development and integration of Uganda into the central African countries.
It will also provide guarantees to the movement of labour and goods for trade on the Northern Corridor Route. This is proof that Uganda is moving in the right direction.
Catherine Namuddu
Kampala
